Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.3/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.5/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $31,160–$40,625, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz GLA sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA sits in the middle of the field. Until its value and performance and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,160 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which GLA Year Should You Buy?
Across the GLA model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Common Questions — 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA reliable?
We rate the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #2010 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA cost?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at $31,160 and ranges up to $40,625 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which GLA years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest GLA years we've rated are 2017 (7.0/10), 2016 (7.0/10), 2015 (7.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.5/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Mercedes-Benz GLA
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year
