Mercedes-Benz GLA vs CUPRA Formentor
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Formentor opens at $49,990. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $8,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $64,790 and $54,989 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and CUPRA Formentor hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 93% for the CUPRA Formentor.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Formentor packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 7 in the CUPRA Formentor.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Formentor gets a 12-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Formentor counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Mercedes-Benz GLA does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the CUPRA Formentor offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 3-zone in the CUPRA Formentor.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 39mm shorter than the CUPRA Formentor at 4,450mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 420L in the CUPRA Formentor, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 15L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Formentor leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $1,767/year for the CUPRA Formentor.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $1,767 (CUPRA Formentor). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and CUPRA Formentor trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLA and CUPRA Formentor?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $8,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLA and CUPRA Formentor all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA makes the most power at 120kW. The CUPRA Formentor is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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