XT4 vs GLA
Put the XT4 next to the GLA and you have Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz going after exactly the same subcompact luxury suv crowd. Scoring each area separately, the GLA comes out on top 1 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance XT4 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLA wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance5.9
- Fuel Economy & Range4.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GLA has better fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 29 mpg for the GLA, 26 mpg for the XT4. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The XT4 has 14 hp more power
On paper, the XT4 is a touch ahead here, listing 235 hp against 221 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The GLA has better highway fuel economy
The spread here is large: 34 mpg on the GLA versus 29 mpg on the XT4. Expect to notice it. The GLA uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The GLA has better city fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the GLA: 26 mpg compared with 24 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GLA starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
XT4 leads
It’s a narrow one, but the engine & performance round goes to the XT4. Point to the XT4 for 14 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the XT4.
Total system output
XT4: 235 hp GLA: 221 hp The XT4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLA leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the GLA makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The GLA stands out with better fuel economy. The GLA uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the GLA comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
XT4: 26 mpg GLA: 29 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
XT4: 29 mpg GLA: 34 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The XT4 and the GLA list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 235 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 22.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 48.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 109.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | XT4 | GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,795 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the XT4 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (235 hp vs 221 hp)
- you already know your way around Cadillac’s products
Choose the GLA if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (29 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (34 mpg vs 29 mpg)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 24 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the XT4 or the GLA?
We’d point most buyers to the GLA. The main exception is if having 14 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the XT4 and the GLA. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the GLA brings better fuel economy. Add better city fuel economy to the list, and the GLA looks even better. On the other side, the XT4 brings 14 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the XT4, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the GLA.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the GLA, unless you’d rather have 14 hp more power on the XT4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.