Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Subaru Uncharted
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 Subaru Uncharted opens at $59,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $65,989 respectively.
The Subaru Uncharted 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Subaru Uncharted hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Uncharted 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 Subaru Uncharted. The Subaru Uncharted adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLA misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Uncharted gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Uncharted counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and V2L 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 Subaru Uncharted offers synthetic leather.
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 Subaru Uncharted responds with a Dual Electric Motor making 252kW, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5 seconds.
The Subaru Uncharted has the clear power advantage at 252kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Uncharted is 4.1s 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, 124mm shorter than the Subaru Uncharted at 4,535mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Uncharted generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 403L in the Subaru Uncharted, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 32L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m 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 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years (Subaru Uncharted). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru Uncharted).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Uncharted if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Subaru Uncharted trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a clear edge. 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 Subaru Uncharted?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Uncharted by $1,090.
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 Subaru Uncharted 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 Subaru Uncharted makes the most power at 252kW. The Subaru Uncharted is quickest to 100km/h in 5s.
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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