Mercedes-Benz makes a lot of great luxury SUVs, but such great vehicles are not cheap. These days, it can be rare to find a good car for under $40,000, but this Mercedes-Benz SUV does it. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA pleasantly surprises by delivering a harmonious combination of compact size, spacious interior, sophisticated features, and spirited performance, making it an excellent choice for small luxury SUVs.

Are Mercedes-Benz SUVs any good?

Yes, the lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs and cars has many good options. Since Mercedes is a luxury brand, it offers high-end vehicles with added creature comforts and better-quality materials. This 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA ranks high on the list of luxury SUVs with excellent fuel economy, and it is obvious why. Not to mention its design stands out among the luxury brand’s 2023 lineup.

Starting at $37,500, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes pretty well-equipped from the factory. This year has three trim levels: the GLA 250, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. A fully-loaded AMG GLA 45 costs $56,650, but you don’t necessarily need it. It has a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth.

The base Mercedes-Benz SUV gets a turbo four-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower. That offers enough power for everyday driving, and the quick acceleration makes it a joy. It also gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers smooth gear changes. Mercedes added the dual-clutch transmission because it shifts faster than a human driver ever could, but also helps boost highway efficiency. Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Dynamic Select modes allow you to tailor the driving experience.

Is this Mercedes-Benz SUV fuel efficient?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV is fuel efficient in its cheapest form. With that base engine and front-wheel drive, the GLA gets 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is about 28 mpg combined. Those who opt for all-wheel drive drop those estimates slightly to 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. While that isn’t class-leading, it is still pretty good.

Mercedes-Benz included numerous standard driver-assistance features on the GLA, like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Driver-attention monitoring, vehicle exit warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard.

This Mercedes SUV is pretty spacious for a subcompact option, thanks to the 39 inches of headroom and 41 inches of legroom in the front. It also gets 38.1 inches of headroom in the second row with 38 inches of legroom. The cargo capacity is 50.5 cubic feet, which is noteworthy for its size.

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV reliable?

J.D. Power gave the GLA a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100, which is pretty average. However, there is much to like about the affordable GLA for those wanting an entry-level luxury SUV. Even though that number might seem low, it is actually one of the higher reliability scores for the small premium SUV category.

Even if this Mercedes-Benz SUV doesn’t fit everyone’s needs, it does a surprisingly good job of checking off important boxes. If good fuel economy and plenty of standard safety features are at the top of your list, the 2023 GLA might be worth another look.