Infiniti
QX30
Mercedes-Benz
GLA
Infiniti QX30 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Infiniti QX30 offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA excels at power instead. Choose the Infiniti QX30 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz GLA if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
QX30
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall. The vehicle is praised by some owners for its attractive design, sporty driving dynamics, good fuel economy from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and high-quality interior materials, especially when purchased as a used value proposition. However, a very strong and recurrent theme across owner discussions is significant concern over electrical and software glitches, which manifest in numerous, often dangerous, ways.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific trim or model year as "best." Owner discussions reference various model years (2017-2019) and trims (Sport, AWD) without a clear consensus on a preferred version. The fundamental platform and powertrain are consistent across the model run.
Known issues
- ⚠Electrical and software glitches: includes dashboard randomly resetting while driving (causing car to shift to neutral and steering to lock), key fob not detected, remote start failure, infotainment screen blackouts, malfunctioning driver…
- ⚠Expensive maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor are costly because the vehicle shares many components with Mercedes-Benz; repairs like a power steering pump or engine temperature control module can cost thousands of dollars.
- ⚠Transmission issues in cold weather: harsh shifting or "dropping hard" into first gear when the transmission is cold. Frequency: recurrent.
GLA
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owner reports for the 2015-2021 generation highlight significant reliability and quality control concerns, including major mechanical failures, persistent interior rattles, and electrical/software glitches. The driving experience is described as comfortable with neutral handling, and the interior is frequently praised for its best-in-class design, materials, and comfort.
Best version to buy
AMG GLA45 (2016-2019): For driving enthusiasts, the high-performance AMG variant is recommended for its potent engine and unique character, with specific praise for the pre-2020 hatchback body style. For standard models, a well-optioned GLA250 4MATIC is suggested to maximize features.
Known issues
- ⚠Persistent interior rattles and squeaks: Missing gaskets, creaking sunroof panels, and chirping seals requiring detailed owner intervention to diagnose and fix. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Major mechanical failures: Engine replacement required at low mileage (17,000 miles cited), cylinder head issues on 250 models around 50,000 miles, and transmission failures ("Reversing Not Possible" errors linked to auxiliary battery or t…
- ⚠Electrical/software glitches: Various infotainment and system malfunctions described as "electrical gremlins." Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Infiniti QX30 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Infiniti QX30 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Infiniti QX30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Infiniti QX30 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Infiniti QX30 is classed as a Hatchback, the Mercedes-Benz GLA as a SUV, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Infiniti QX30 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Infiniti QX30 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 6.7 L/100km combined versus 9.2-9.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz GLA, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Infiniti QX30 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Infiniti QX30 than the Mercedes-Benz GLA. See the known issues comparison above.