Coming in at a length of just 173.6 inches and barely accommodating five passengers, the compact and sleek Mercedes Benz GLA-Class is the smallest Mercedes SUV currently on the market — not counting a couple of smaller crossover options.

When looking for an SUV, size isn’t everything. Full-size SUVs and pickup trucks are gas-guzzlers and hard on the wallet. So, for those looking for a roomier cabin and more practicality than a sedan or hatchback — without seating for seven or the sky-high expenses burly SUVs demand — a small SUV is a practical alternative.

If you’re in the market for a small Mercedes SUV model, the GLA-Class is about as small as it gets. Read on!

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What is the smallest SUV Mercedes makes?

If you're looking for a compact SUV, the

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

is the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. At just 63.5 inches tall and 173.6 inches long, the GLA-Class is a pint-sized powerhouse that packs serious practicality and punchy performance.

With a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower, the GLA-Class is surprisingly peppy for a small SUV. Pair that with an estimated 28-mpg combined fuel economy, and you’ve got a solid compact vehicle that’s good on the road and kind to your wallet.

One of the primary complaints of the previous-generation GLA-Class was the lack of interior space. With the new generation, rear seat passengers gain an extra5 inches of legroom and more space for shoulders and elbows. You’ll also get more cargo space with 50.5 cubic feet of storage behind the front row or 15.4 cubic feet if you pop the second row up. And with a redesigned trunk, getting bulkier items in and out is more accessible.

As for safety features, all Mercedes come standard with a host of active safety features, but for more advanced safety assists, you’ll have to add the optional Driver Assistance Package.

That said, it can’t be all sunshine and rainbows. The GLA-Class does come with a couple of downsides. For starters, while the GLA may have been revamped, it lost some speed in the process. Compared to last year’s 5.7-second zero to 60 mph time, the 2022 GLA-Class is slightly slower, reaching the same speed at 6.3 seconds.

While an additional half a second may not be a dealbreaker for most, the less-than-intuitive infotainment system, lack of safety features, and heavy cabin noise on highways may be. For a nearly $40,000 high-end SUV, certain characteristics don’t exactly scream luxury.

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Other small Mercedes SUVs

The GLA-Class might be pint-sized and powerful, but there are other small Mercedes SUVs that may be a great alternative to consider. To help lighten your search load, we’ve compiled a list of the best small Mercedes SUVs in the current Mercedes lineup. Fair warning — Mercedes prefers to go big or go home with their utility vehicles.

Smallest: GLA-Class

Starting price: $37,450

Wheelbase: 107.4 inches

Seating capacity: 5

The sleek and compact GLA-Class offers classy styling, great fuel economy, more space, and an excellent driving demeanor. But pokey acceleration compared to the previous year’s model and expensive add-ons are two significant downsides.

Small: GLB-Class

Starting price: $39,650

Wheelbase: 111.4 inches

Seating capacity: 5 to 7

While it may not be as stylish as its pint-sized cousin, the

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

offers more practicality and space than the GLA-Class, as well as more high-tech features and an optional third row of seating.

Sharing the same powertrain and chassis as the GLA, the GLB-Class sits more upright for extra cargo space, making it the perfect small SUV for those looking for fun and functionality.

However, don’t expect the base models to come loaded. They suffer from a serious lack of equipment and slow acceleration, which makes other rival SUVs slightly more satisfying and engaging to drive.

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Small-ish: GLC-Class

Starting price: $44,900

Wheelbase: 113.1 inches

Seating capacity: 5

As Mercedes' most popular SUV, the

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

is a show-stopper. It offers drivers more luxury than thrill but still boasts lively acceleration and superb practicality.

But for those chasing speed, the AMG GLC-Class might be better suited, offering between 385 and 503 horsepower, making the humble 255-horsepower engine on the regular GLC-Class look less than pleasing.

That said, the GLC-Class is the perfect fusion of old-school excellence meets cutting-edge design. It’s decked out with stunning interior materials, top-notch build quality, and luxurious standard features.

However, the GLC falls short on space. Compared to its rivals, the GLC offers mediocre interior cubby storage and cargo capacity, coming in at 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Regardless, this SUV is the epitome of compact luxury with many desirable standard features that would please almost any driver.

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The best alternatives to Mercedes’ smallest SUV

If you’re not convinced about getting behind the wheel of the small and peppy GLA-Class, Mercedes offers some other great alternatives. But even still, consider going outside the German automotive brand to look at rivals like the BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, and Audi Q3. They’re stiff competition worth a second glance.

Petite and playful: 2022 BMW X1

The 2022

BMW X1

has a starting price slightly below the GLA at $36,295, and it makes up for all the shortfalls of the GLA.

Slow acceleration isn’t a problem with a peppy 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that hauls the tiny X1 through the streets with stellar speed. It offers crisp handling and a refined ride (classic BMW).

And unlike the GLA, the BMW X1 offers plenty of cargo space and easy access for bulk items, giving it a well-earned spot on Car and Driver’s

2022 Editors' Choice list

While the boxy SUV doesn't come standard with all-wheel drive, adding it does little to improve your odds of tackling rugged terrain with ease, so save yourself the $2,000 and stick with the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i.

You’ll also save with the X1’s competitive fuel economy. Although it doesn’t beat the GLA250’s city and highway EPA numbers, it still gets an impressive 29 mpg combined in AWD mode.

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Hip and youthful: 2022 Volvo XC40

If one automotive brand consistently ranks high on reliability ratings, it’s Volvo. And among its already stylish SUVs, we have the

XC40

— a fun and funky subcompact SUV that blends everything we love about the larger Volvos with a more playful appearance and driving demeanor.

With a starting price of just $36,195, the XC40 is a borderline bargain for what you get. Although slightly less powerful, the base level 184-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers decent everyday driving, but the spunkier 248-horsepower turbocharged four with standard all-wheel drive on the T5 provides a more feisty and fun experience.

It’s not all about power, performance, and flash, though. The XC40 brings plenty of high-tech options and driver assist features borrowed from the high-end Volvos, including the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving mode. Plus, you won't fall short on storage options with a thoughtfully designed cabin with loads of cubbies and ample cargo storage.

While the XC40 has a lot to offer, it also has shortcomings. The engine sounds harsh under heavy throttle and is not as efficient as some of its biggest rivals. Still, for what it lacks in performance, it makes up for in capability with a rare 3,500-pound towing capacity — virtually unheard of for the subcompact SUV class.

Plus, it’s one of the few small SUVs with an environmentally and wallet-friendly alternative — the XC40 Recharge. This fully electric subcompact SUV offers all the classic characteristics of a Volvo, just electrified.

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The common sense compact: Audi Q3

Looking every bit as stylish and sexy as its larger siblings, the

Audi Q3

might be small, but it offers just as much experience and appeal as other crossovers. And with a starting price of just $37,595, it’s substantially cheaper than the Q5, Q7, or Q8 crossovers.

The athletic exterior of the Q3 is paired with a cabin lined with high-quality materials and plenty of tech features that maximizes comfort and storage space. While the rear seats may not offer as much spaciousness as other subcompact and compact rivals, the Q3 makes up for it with a spunkier appearance and a chassis that delivers better driving dynamics and more agile handling than its larger counterparts.

The Q3 also has efficiency in the bag. The 184- or 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers ample power, smooth shifting, and sportier response when switched into S mode. As for fuel economy, it offers a slightly more efficient 30 mpg combined, ranking up with the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.

If you’re looking for a solid alternative to the GLA-Class, the Q3 offers everything we love about an Audi SUV in a small, feisty, and maneuverable package.

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