Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
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 Volkswagen Tiguan starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $5,910.
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 $58,289 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
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 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLA misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Tiguan features a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out with wireless charging and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Tiguan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Tiguan measures 4,539mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 128mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 180L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. 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 11.4m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tiguan 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, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheapest at $52,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $5,910.
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 — Volkswagen Tiguan and Mercedes-Benz GLA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the largest boot at 615L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA makes the most power at 120kW. The Volkswagen Tiguan is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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