Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Skoda Kodiaq
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Kodiaq opens at $54,990. That makes the Skoda Kodiaq the more affordable entry point by $3,910.
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 $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $3,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Kodiaq gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Kodiaq. The Skoda Kodiaq counters with heated front seats and power tailgate. 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 Skoda Kodiaq offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 3-zone in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Drivetrain
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 Skoda Kodiaq responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Skoda Kodiaq has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Skoda Kodiaq is 1.2s 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, 347mm shorter than the Skoda Kodiaq at 4,758mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Kodiaq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 289L in the Skoda Kodiaq, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 146L advantage. The Skoda Kodiaq seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,300kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 800kg 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 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $2,565/year for the Skoda Kodiaq. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $798 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a clear edge. The Skoda Kodiaq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 Skoda Kodiaq?
The Skoda Kodiaq is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $3,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Skoda Kodiaq holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GLA, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Kodiaq makes the most power at 140kW. The Skoda Kodiaq is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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