2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $34,850–$42,853
Fuel Economy 25 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,100/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$34,850–$42,853

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 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 6.5/10 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 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.9/10 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 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $34,850–$42,853, 25 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 7 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 2019 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,850 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which GLA Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.5/10$42,230 Read review →
2025 7.5/10$42,230 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$41,000 Read review →
2023 7.4/10$39,770 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$38,540 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$37,310 Read review →
2020 7.3/10$36,080 Read review →
2019 (this review) 7.3/10$34,850
2018 7.2/10$33,620 Read review →
2017 7.0/10$32,390 Read review →
2016 7.0/10$31,160 Read review →
2015 7.0/10$29,930 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

✓ What it does well

  • 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

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers

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More Mercedes-Benz Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.