2016 Mercedes Gla 250
Park one on the street and you’ll notice it looks more like a pumped-up hatchback than a truck. It sits low, has that big grille (Mercedes’ version of showing teeth), and the stance says “I’m compact, not cheap.” The optional 19-inch wheels are almost too big for the wheel wells—it looks like a puppy with oversized paws. Honestly, it’s adorable.
Pop the hood and you’ve got a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 208 horsepower. That doesn’t sound insane on paper, right? But in a car this light (for a Mercedes, anyway), it feels peppy. 0-60 comes in about 7.1 seconds, which is quick enough to surprise your buddy in the passenger seat—especially if they’re expecting a “soft” luxury ride.
Inside the Cabin: Where the Star Shines (Mostly)
Sit down and you’re greeted by that classic Mercedes interior smell—leather, plastic, and subtle opulence. The seats are firm but supportive, the steering wheel is a chunky three-spoker you’ll want to grab. But here’s the honest part: the infotainment screen looks like an afterthought, a 7-inch tablet bolted to the dash. It wasn’t old in 2016, but it felt dated even then. You get used to it.
The back seats? Let’s just say adults can sit there if the front passengers aren’t tall. It’s snug, but not a punishment. Cargo space is 43.6 cubic feet with the seats down, which means you can fit a week’s worth of groceries and one medium-sized dog. Two dogs if they’re small and cuddly.
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA GLA 250 4MATIC For Sale ($21,993) | Perfect