Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $90.

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 $64,889 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $8,545 in fuel alone.

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and Yamaha audio. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers cloth.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 309mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 37L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $58/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,709 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $58 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,709 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.