2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV

While the GLA is the cheapest SUV that Mercedes-Benz offers, it is still considered a premium vehicle, and its price tag reflects this. Getting behind the wheel of even the base GLA 250 trim will cost you $33,950. Upgrading to the all-wheel-drive 4Matic will set you back an additional $2,000. These are MSRP prices and do not include tax, registration, licensing and Mercedes-Benz' $995 destination charge.

While it may not be remarkable in other areas, the GLA-class Merc promises an exciting driving experience. Thanks to its punchy engine and diminutive dimensions, the SUV can zip through traffic at high speeds, giving drivers a thrill and sense of confidence in its handling.

This is somewhat toned down at lower speeds due to the reticence of the throttle, which can make the car feel lethargic around town. But when you have some open road ahead of you, the car feels lively as you put your foot down. Even a few windy turns won't put a dampener on your fun, as the GLA takes corners with really manageable body roll, despite the vehicle's high-riding chassis. However, this SUV is unquestionably not a sports car, and it will let you know as much when you push its limits.

The steering is a bit on the light side, but it allows for the SUV to react quickly and be nimble in traffic. Still, it is easy to tell what the tires are doing through the steering, and this is very much appreciated by those of us that want to enjoy what this spunky little car is capable of. The brakes are equally reassuring, stopping the compact SUV in as little as 105 ft from 60 mph, but you can expect this figure to rise as the discs heat up if you push the car to its limits.

It rides far softer than the CLA, purely by virtue of the extra wheel travel available, but it still rides fairly firmly for a crossover. Still, the small amount of roll and extra pliability make it ideal, if not as a crossover then at least as a hatchback.

As with any car, the GLA has its own strong and weak points. Where it excels is its performance, offering a level of enjoyment that none can match, even if on-road acceleration is comparable to those it competes with. It also offers a long list of available features, although very few of these come standard. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is not as strong as it could be, but the powertrain makes up for this shortcoming by being able to squeeze out every ounce of that power. On top of this, the handling is top-notch.

Now for the downsides… To make the GLA fit the more affordable price bracket, Mercedes cut corners on quality inside the cabin. The materials are not as high-grade as you'd expect and the cabin shows its rough edges. The cargo space is also smaller than you might hope for in a family-oriented vehicle, being bested by its nearest rivals, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

权衡起来后,杯子绝对是一个great car, but it is far from perfect. And depending on what you really want from an SUV, you may want to consider rivals that offer more in the areas where the Merc fails to meet expectations. For the price you're paying, you deserve to get what you want.

With only $2,000 separating the 250 4Matic from the base model, it only makes sense to go for the more premium option; after all, this is a premium SUV. The upper trim offers all the same features as the GLA 250, but the added four-wheel-drive gives it slightly better performance and handling, even around town. The 4Matic is also compatible with every package available to the GLA. We'd opt for the Multimedia Package as well as the Driver Assist Package for an all-inclusive GLA at a still relatively affordable price.

The GLC is the big brother to the GLA, so it is naturally going to be a bit better in just about every regard. The larger SUV's engine produces 47 hp more than the GLA, which gives it that little bit extra punch despite its larger dimensions. These larger dimensions also mean that the GLC is more spacious inside, with a larger trunk supplying an impressive 19.4 cubic feet. With the higher starting price of $40,550, the GLC also offers superior build-quality and more comfortable seating appointments. The only way in which the larger SUV falls short is in its size. Some people may prefer the better maneuverability of a smaller car, or it may simply be too inconvenient to drive anything bigger in their area. But in every other way, the GLC is the better choice.

In many ways, the X1 is very much akin to the GLA. It offers excellent performance and handling, as well as great tech features and daily-driver characteristics. However, the Mercedes ranks a bit higher in terms of the former by being more nimble, and lower when it comes to the latter. If you're looking for a small SUV that offers good performance while still providing sufficient cargo space, interior comfort, and a list of useful safety and infotainment features, then it will be hard to beat the BMW X1.