Used Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class for sale nearClacton-on-sea

CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,000
Average Price: Around £17,000

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Premium looks, inside and out	Competent but ordinary to drive when rivals offer more
Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating	Rear-seat space is tight
The GLA45 is very quick	Slow-witted dual-clutch auto transmission

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014-2019) is a premium compact SUV designed to appeal to younger buyers and those seeking a more fashionable alternative to a traditional hatchback. Based on the A-Class platform, it offers a taller ride height, chunkier styling and optional four-wheel drive. Inside, however, the GLA feels smaller than it looks, with a 481-litre boot and tight rear-seat space. Taller passengers may feel cramped, particularly due to the swooping roofline and relatively small rear door openings, making fitting children into car seats more fiddly than expected.

On the road, the GLA is a competent and easy car to drive with sensibly weighted controls and well-managed body-roll. Diesel engines, particularly the GLA 220 CDI, deliver strong mid-range punch and suit the car's relaxed character. The 4Matic four-wheel-drive system copes better with slippery surfaces and poor weather. However, diesel engines can sound gruff under acceleration, and larger alloy wheels can make the ride feel firm on poor roads. Wind and road noise are more noticeable than in some premium SUV rivals. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is an entertaining performance crossover with hot hatch-rivalling pace. Diesel models offer strong fuel economy, whilst petrol versions deliver respectable 35-40mpg figures. Insurance costs are generally competitive for a premium-badged SUV, though AMG and higher-spec 4Matic models sit in higher groups.

Best for: Buyers seeking premium badge appeal, stylish compact family transport, and those interested in the entertaining GLA45 performance variant.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising rear-seat space, the finest driving dynamics, or seeking the best practicality in the compact SUV segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the GLA if: You value premium badge appeal, seek stylish compact family transport, or are interested in the entertaining GLA45 performance variant.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise rear-seat space, the finest driving dynamics, or require the best practicality in the compact SUV segment.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (2014-2019) is a stylish and desirable compact family car that never quite matched the best compact SUVs of its era for practicality or driving enjoyment. However, it still has plenty going for it as a used buy. It feels solidly built, wears a premium badge and offers a comfortable driving position alongside decent long-distance refinement. Facelifted cars feel much more up to date with refreshed styling, revised engine options and upgraded technology. Whilst rear-seat space and visibility are not as good as in some rivals, and the firm ride on larger wheels can become tiring on poor roads, the GLA now makes more sense than it did when new. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is an entertaining performance crossover with the pace to rival a hot hatch.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.