Used Mercedes GLA 2014-2020 review

Take a regular family hatchback, raise it up a little, add some beefy bodywork and voilà, you have a family SUV. It’s a simple enough formula, but it has been going down a treat for a long time, so much so that even premium manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz are on this lucrative bandwagon.

The GLA was Mercedes’ first family SUV and it was based upon the underpinnings of the old A-Class. It may look more substantial than the equivalent A-Class, but in fact it’s no longer, no wider and only 59mm taller. It ran successfully from 2014 to 2020, when it was replaced by an all-new second-generation car. Buyers loved its practicality, ease of use and of course that premium badge, and its competitive pricing sealed the deal for many.

It uses the same engines, too. The concise four-cylinder engine line-up kicks off with a 118bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol (badged GLA 180), followed by a 154bhp version of the same engine in the 200. A 211bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre comes in the 250. There are a couple of different power outputs for the 2.1-litre diesel: 134bhp in the 200d and 168bhp in the four-wheel-drive 220d. Most of these engines prove punchy if not terribly refined. For speed freaks, there’s also a 375bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged beast in the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

All apart from the 200 are available with Mercedes’ 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, which brings with it the otherwise optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Front-wheel-drive models get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

As for the standard equipment, there are three trim levels on offer: SE, Sport and AMG Line. Entry-level kit includes 17in alloy wheels, active brake assist and off-road suspension set-up on the outside as standard, while inside there is a leather upholstery, reversing camera, extensive cubbyholes, air conditioning, and Mercedes' Audio 20 infotainment system. The mid-range Sport models gain bigger alloys, aluminium roof rails, privacy glass, automatic wipers, climate control and an 8.0in infotainment display.

The range-topping AMG Line trim adorns your GLA with 19in alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, stainless steel pedals and leather sports seats. Those intent on the GLA 45 will find an AMG-tweaked exhaust and braking systems, folding mirrors, bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors on the outside along with an aggressive bodykit. Inside there are plenty of AMG badging and decals, Garmin-powered sat-nav and heated Performance sports front seats.

On the road, the GLA's steering is a little vague, and although it finds reasonable grip, its handling generally doesn’t inspire great confidence or enthusiasm. On top of that, its ride is a little fidgety, bordering on uncomfortable over broken surfaces.

Things get better inside, though, thanks to plush-feeling materials and comfortable seats. All GLAs get plenty of standard kit, too, although space in the rear isn't as generous as you might expect: six-footers will find themselves cramped. You can just about sit two adults in the rear behind two adults in the front – but no more comfortably than in most compact cars. The rear seat backs split and fold 70/30 and, if you spec the appropriate option (not fitted on our car), even adjust the rear seat back angle, freeing up an additional 60 litres of boot space.

The boot itself is a competitive 421 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 836 litres if you sling them forwards.

If you're interested in finding a used GLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Just under £11,000 is the current starting point for a GLA, this for a 2014 car that has done plenty of miles. We'd suggest spending £12,000 or more for something with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, bought from an independent dealer, from 2014 or 2015. Up the dosh to between £13,000 and £15,000 and you draw in 2016 cars with the same criteria as above, while £16,000 to £20,000 will get you a 2018 or 2019 car, or for not much more one of the last 2020 cars, bought from an independent dealer.

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Unsurprisingly, it’s the entry-level diesel, the 200d, that’s the most economical, with an official average of 67.3mpg, under the older NEDC tests, and 119g/km of CO2. The four-wheel-drive 220d manages a claimed 55.4mpg and 132g/km (in some trims), while the petrol models languish a little behind, with the best being the 200 at a claimed 47.1mpg and 138g/km, the worst the AMG GLA 45 with 38.2mpg and 172g/km. The 180 petrol that was introduced in 2018 would appear to get worse fuel economy than the more powerful 200, at 40.4mpg, but that's because it was certified on the tougher WLTP test, rather than the old NEDC one.

Road tax will depend upon how much CO2 your GLA officially emits if it was registered before 1 April 2017, but you'll need to pay the current flat-rate fee for anything registered after this point. This currently stands at £155 a year. Find out more about the current road tax costs here.

Insurance costs are on the high side, with groups ranging from 21 up to 42 for AMG GLA 45. Servicing costs can be expensive, as can replacement parts. For example, if you were to pay up front for two services, it would cost you £816 or £45.33 per month over 18 months. The same number of services for an equivalent Audi Q3 will cost a mere £480 or £26.67 per month in comparison.

Diesel buyers have a choice between two 2.1-litre engines, badged 200d and 220d. The former produces 134bhp and is our favourite, mostly thanks to its low running costs. It's a bit slower than equivalent rivals but is flexible enough to satisfy most drivers. The 168bhp latter is noticeably punchier and comes with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Petrol options include a 1.6-litre and two 2.0-litre engines, badged 180, 200 and 250. The 118bhp 180 is a bit slow, making the 154bhp 200 a much better bet, thanks to brisk-enough performance, although you have to rev it quite hard to get the best from it. This engine came with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard but could be specified with an automatic 'box. If you need four-wheel-drive with a petrol engine, go for the 250. It's more rapid but not as fun as you might hope, given its hefty price.

Standard equipment is often better on entry-level SE trim than on most equivalent rivals, and we see no point in spending more for pricier versions.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz GLA: 200d SE

The Audi Q3 is a more complete and appealing car than most of its rivals. It has a high-quality interior and an easy-to-use rotary controller for its infotainment system. It’s compact, easy to drive and should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a used small SUV.

The BMW X1 is a spacious and practical car with a high-quality interior, fine handling and a great infotainment system. Its ride is rather firm, but if you can put up with that, it’s a classy and desirable compact SUV that makes a sound alternative to the Q3.

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If you're interested in finding a used GLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.