The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC, a compact luxury crossover, gets 26 MPG combined. It prioritizes style over maximum fuel efficiency. Buyers drawn to the GLA250 4MATIC aren’t necessarily focused on getting the best gas mileage. They appreciate the high driving position, the Mercedes-Benz brand, and the security of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy matters, but it’s not the main thing they consider.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 GLA250 4MATIC are 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the performance of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with the 7-speed automatic transmission (AM7). The city MPG is good enough for urban driving, though stop-and-go traffic will lower it. The highway MPG is better. GLA250 4MATIC is a comfortable and relatively efficient car for long trips, especially with options like adaptive cruise control.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4MATIC is $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, individual fuel costs will change based on driving habits, location, and fuel prices. Think of this number as a way to compare the GLA250 4MATIC’s running costs to others in its class. For drivers who don’t go far each year, the actual fuel cost will be lower. Drivers with long commutes should expect to spend more than $2,250 per year.

Real-world expectations

The EPA test is standardized, but real-world MPG is often different. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads can all hurt fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, keeping a steady speed on the highway, and proper tire inflation can help you get closer to the EPA estimates.

The GLA250 4MATIC’s trip computer shows real-time and average MPG, which can help you watch your fuel use and change your driving. Also, be sure to check GLA250 MPG across all years.

How it compares

In the compact luxury crossover group, the GLA250 4MATIC’s fuel economy is okay, but not the best. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, a direct competitor, gets about 25 MPG combined. The Audi Q3 45 TFSI quattro also gets around 25 MPG combined. The Lexus UX 250h hybrid gets much better fuel economy, reaching 41 MPG combined; however, it’s a different driving experience and is more focused on efficiency than performance. The Acura RDX, which is larger, gets around 23 MPG combined. The GLA250 4MATIC’s fuel economy balances luxury, performance, and reasonable running costs. This matters to buyers who don’t want to lose refinement for the best gas mileage.

See all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data for a broader view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration. The GLA250 4MATIC’s turbocharged engine has plenty of power, but using it a lot will lower fuel economy. Accelerate gently and transition smoothly to save fuel.

Check your tire pressure often. Properly inflated tires lower rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency. Check at least once a month and before long trips.

Remove extra weight. Extra cargo in the car adds weight, which lowers fuel efficiency. Remove things you don’t need regularly.

Don’t idle. Idling for a long time uses fuel without going anywhere. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a constant speed on the highway helps get the best fuel efficiency. Cruise control can also help you avoid speeding, which can hurt MPG.