Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Peugeot 408
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 Peugeot 408 opens at $57,990. That makes the Peugeot 408 the more affordable entry point by $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 $63,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Peugeot 408 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Peugeot 408 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 79% for the Peugeot 408.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLA packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Peugeot 408.
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 6 in the Peugeot 408.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Peugeot 408 gets a 10-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 408. The Peugeot 408 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and Focal audio. 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 Peugeot 408 responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 0.3s 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, 279mm shorter than the Peugeot 408 at 4,690mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 408 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 508L in the Peugeot 408, giving the Peugeot 408 a 73L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLA leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m 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 10.8m 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 $1,739/year for the Peugeot 408. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 408.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $1,739 (Peugeot 408). The Peugeot 408 saves you roughly $342 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 / 200,000km (Peugeot 408). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Peugeot 408 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Peugeot 408 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 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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