2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Pros Vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Most average vehicle buyers don't think of a Mercedes-Benz as being something that they can afford. But, if you're looking for an SUV this year, you might want to lend some thought to the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class - a luxury SUV that you can, in fact, buy on a budget of $40,000. With its cozy seats, comfortable ride quality, and advanced infotainment system, the GLA is undoubtedly a Mercedes. But with so many advanced safety features being optional and the amount of road noise you will hear, this luxury SUV might put some buyers off. Is it going to be the vehicle for you? Let's go over what's new for 2022, what there is to like about the GLA, what you might not like, and how it stacks up against a few key rivals. That way, you can make the most informed decision possible about whether this is the luxury SUV for you.

What's New for 2022?

Aside from the introduction of the AMG Night Package Plus and a few minor revisions to package options, everything from 2021 carries over to the 2022 Mercedes GLA.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class – The Pros

1. Ample Power From the Engine

Even the 2022 Mercedes GLA's base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has plenty of power on tap. This engine (which is standard on the GLA 250 trim level) generates 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque for a speedy enough performance, going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. If you want something a little bit stronger, the AMG GLA 35 is powered by a more powerful turbo 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The line-topping AMG GLA 45 amps it up even more with a turbo 2.0-L that gets 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

2. Secure Handling Capabilities

The GLA-Class has no problem with handling tight turns and getting through cramped parking lots thanks to its superb handling capabilities. It doesn't produce much in the way of body roll, remaining composed and compliant as it goes. The GLA handles just like a luxury SUV should.

3. Breathable MB-Tex Simulated Leather Upholstery

Sticking with the base GLA 250 gets you MB-Tex simulated leather upholstery. It might not be actual leather, but it looks just a stunning and feels extremely comfortable thanks to how breathable it is. It doesn't trap heat like some of the genuine leather seats out there, but it definitely has a quality, premium feel to it.

4. The Front Seats Have Multiple Adjustments

Even the GLA 250's power adjustable front sport seats come with driver position memory and a slew of different ways to adjust the driver's seat. You can easily adjust the driver's seat to find the best driving possible possible with a commanding view out the front windshield. The tilting and telescoping steering wheel is also easy to adjust, helping you maximize your comfort behind the wheel.

5. A Spacious Rear Seat

There is enough leg room in the rear seats for fully grown adults to feel cozy sitting back there. Your rear seat occupants will be able to stretch their legs out and get comfy with ease, and you can easily fit a rear-facing car seat in the back since there is enough space and an easy-to-use LATCH system installed back there.

6. The MBUX Infotainment System

Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system is one of the best on the market right now due to its user-friendly nature. Not only is this system easy to use, but there are multiple ways of controlling it. You can use the thumb controllers on the steering wheel, the trackpad, the touchscreen, or the voice control recognition system. And the voice controls are usually pretty accurate even though a bit slow to respond.

7. Plenty of Small Item Storage Areas

The GLA's cabin has a ton of well sized small item storage areas. The bins and door pockets provide more than enough space for your items, and you can conceal things like your smartphone or tablet with ease. There are spring loaded tabs in the cupholders that help to secure smaller cups, and the rubberized tray can hold a smartphone in place. You can even opt for this tray to serve as a wireless charging station.

8. Fuel Efficiency is Above Average

You might not expect a luxury SUV to be good on fuel, but the 2022 Mercedes GLA is above class average. The front-wheel-drive equipped GLA 250 has an EPA estimate of 28 miles per gallon combined (from 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway). You might actually be able to get about 30-32 mpg combined depending on your driving style.

9. A Solid Build Quality

The GLA-Class demonstrates Mercedes-Benz's ability to put together a solidly built vehicle. When you drive the GLA off the lot, you shouldn't hear anything shaking, rattling, or rolling. While there are some hard plastics inside of the cabin, they don't come off as cheaply built. In fact, even those seem to be really well constructed.

10. Enough High-quality Materials Inside the Cabin

Speaking of the GLA's interior materials, they are all high quality. Even the hard plastics are grained so that they look a lot more expensive than they really are. The hard plastics aren't even placed anywhere that you would come into constant contact with them. The simulated leather upholstery is a true highlight for the GLA 250 base trim, and the AMG GLA 35 has a lot of chic trim, including aluminum.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class – The Cons

1. Long Stops During Panic Braking

One of the downsides to owning the 2022 Mercedes GLA-Class is that it struggles with panic braking. When coming to a sudden stop from 60 miles per hour, it takes the GLA 250 a whopping 138 feet to come to a halt. That is quite a bit longer than average for this segment and puts a damper on an otherwise solid driving performance. The economy-oriented tires do lack some road grip, and the brakes work well enough in regular braking scenarios.

2. Too Much Road and Engine Noise

The GLA's engine can get noisy when you press down hard on the accelerator, sounding rougher than a luxury vehicle should. What's worse is when you start getting up to speed on the highway - a lot of road noise will enter into the cabin. On rugged road surfaces, the ride can become pretty loud.

3. Not Enough Standard Safety Features

You might find yourself wishing that the GLA had a few more standard driver aids equipped on it, as most of them are relegated to the options list. What do you get as standard? Blind spot monitoring and frontal collision mitigation, but nothing more. You will have to pay more for the Driver Assistance package, which includes active limit speed assist, evasive steering assist, the lane keep system, and adaptive cruise control. An automated parking system and a surround-view camera system are bundled into the Parking Assistance package.

4. Lacking Cargo Space

Cargo space isn't all that generous inside of the 2022 Mercedes GLA. With just 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space available, the GLA is more in line with what you would get inside of a mid-size sedan, not a luxury SUV. Sure, the flat load floor makes it easy to load cargo into the back, and the cargo area is fairly accommodating, but there just is not enough space available for bulkier items.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Mercedes GLA vs. 2022 Audi Q3

A few grand below the MSRP of the GLA, the 2022 Audi Q3 is not a vehicle that is all that fun to drive. Its fuel economy is subpar, and there is not much space in the rear seat or in the cargo area. However, the Q3 is loaded up with all kinds of modern technological features that you can enjoy using. Also, this vehicle offers a quiet and comfortable ride quality inside of a cabin that is constructed from high quality materials.

2022 Mercedes GLA vs. 2022 BMW X1

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's toughest competitor is most likely the 2022 BMW X1. This SUV is powered by a strong and responsive turbocharged engine and has secure handling that makes it an engaging vehicle to drive. The GLA has a nice fit and finish to it with its quality materials. On the downside, the X1 has a ride quality that gets rough on jagged road surfaces. It also is not very quiet when being driven on the highway. You also cannot get smartphone app integration for your Android phone as there is no Android Auto available.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mercedes GLA might not be MB's crowning achievement, but it is surely a capable vehicle in its own right. It has several powerful engine options that you can choose from, but the base engine is quite satisfactory. Driving performance overall is strong, and it is hard to find any fault with the way that the GLA looks inside or out. A few drawbacks keep it from being the best-in-class vehicle it could be, but the GLA holds its own in a very strong, packed segment.