2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC Review – GLAd to Have Choices – The Truth About Cars

2.0-liter turbocharged four (221hp @ 5500 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm)

Eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive

24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined (EPA Rating, MPG)

27.4 (observed mileage, MPG)

Canadian market fuel economy not available at press time.

Base Price: $39,280 US / $42,400 CAN

As Tested: $54,515 US / $56,165 CAN

Prices include $1,050 destination charge in the United States. Canadian pricing without destination/delivery charges, as these are dealer defined and, as such, vary.

Much ink has been spilled in the automotive press over the decades making reference to the “same sausage, different lengths” philosophy of product planning prevalent within the premium German marques. Generally, that’s been a rap on the highly-derivative styling between the three (or more) varieties of sedan each automaker would offer.

Today, sedans don’t matter. I mean, of course, they matter – but not so much as the almighty SUV. Who knew that when Dearborn slapped leather and a wagon body on their compact pickup truck those many years ago, it would evolve into Mercedes-Benz offering eight sorta distinct tall beasts across the lineup?

Today, we drive the smallest such offering from the three-pointed star, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. With a starting price under $37K, it’s attractively priced to woo customers looking up from mainstream brands. Is it enough to keep them from wandering the lot?