Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Honda Accord
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 Honda Accord opens at $57,900. That makes the Honda Accord the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $63,690 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Honda Accord by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Honda Accord hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda Accord 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 8 in the Honda Accord.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Honda Accord gets a 12.3-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda Accord counters with wireless charging, power tailgate and Bose audio that the Mercedes-Benz GLA does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Honda Accord responds with a Hybrid making 135kW and 315Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The Honda Accord has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda Accord is 1.3s 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, 564mm shorter than the Honda Accord at 4,975mm (2,830mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Accord generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 473L in the Honda Accord, giving the Honda Accord a 38L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,081/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $1,397/year for the Honda Accord. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Honda Accord.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $1,397 (Honda Accord). The Honda Accord saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda Accord). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda Accord).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Honda Accord if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda Accord takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda Accord will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Honda Accord has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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