The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ranks 2 out of 5 Luxury Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV offers compact-car-like agility and fuel economy in an upscale package. However, there’s little passenger and storage space – even for a subcompact – and its ride isn't as cushioned as many of its rivals.
Pros Powerful engines Outstanding handling Lavish interior Class-leading reliability score
Cons Poor cargo capacity Small back seats
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a small, luxury compact 'ute that prioritizes "looks" over "feels," or in other words, it's probably perfect for a lot of shoppers. Mercedes' smallest crossover—if you can call it that—returns this year to challenge our ideas of compact SUVs, performance, and rear seat head room. Offered as a base front-drive GLA250, all-wheel drive GLA250, or top Mercedes-AMG GLA45, the GLA class may follow Mercedes' nomenclature as an SUV, but it's in a class all its own.
Pros Impressive dynamic driving Lots of turbo fun Sporty and small for two Decent fuel economy Great options ...
Cons but they're pricey $60,000 for a subcompact hatch? Cramped rear seat
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is available for both 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class versions this year. Mercedes says the instrument panel has been mildly redesigned, and the 8-inch display screen is thinner than before. The new AMG Dinamica package adds faux-suede upholstery to the GLA 45's steering wheel and dashboard.
Pros Sporty handling and performance even in the base model AMG GLA 45's long list of available technology and safety features.
Cons Ride quality is firm to the point some might object Road and wind noise is in abundance Automatic transmission can operate awkwardly in stop-and-go situations Less cargo capacity than its rivals.
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 is a beautiful package of technological innovations—in places visible and not visible.
Pros Beautiful, inside and out Good standard safety tech Remarkably advanced engine Good value in top trims Whisper-quiet interior
Cons Dual-screen infotainment system Option packages are walled off in some trim levels Getting top safety packages requires top trims Finicky throttle in early, pre-production models
The 2019 Infiniti QX50 ranked #9 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Infiniti QX50 has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 13 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of cargo space Great gas mileage Spacious, supportive seats
Cons Uninspiring handling Disappointing infotainment system
Infiniti’s slinky QX50 is more than just a pretty face—its creased sheetmetal is hiding a revolutionary new powertrain. A quest for increased fuel efficiency led Infiniti to develop a first-of-its-kind variable-compression-ratio turbocharged engine, good for 268 hp and, by Infiniti's estimate, 30 to 31 mpg on the highway.
Pros Invisible and novel tech; spacious, refined, quiet, and comfortable.
Cons We anticipated better fuel economy; the usual CVT complaints.
