The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class blends hatchback with crossover, with better than mixed results.
Pros Quick on its feet Turbo engines are a blast Hatchback practicality Very good fuel economy GLA45 AMG earns its initials
Cons Tight rear seats A $60,000 GLA45 AMG? That escalated quickly Interior can seem plasticky
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ranked #4 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Impressive infotainment system and features Thrilling AMG model
Cons Inefficient base transmission Cramped back seat
2018 GLA-class amount to little more than a light freshening. Newly optional LED headlamps flank a restyled grille with crossbars that feature rectangular punctures like those on the larger GLS-class SUV. A revised front bumper with more-prominent fog lamps, revised LED taillights, and new wheel designs round out the exterior tweaks. Inside, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaces last year’s 7.0-incher; additional chrome brightwork adorns the door panels and the center console; and new, more legible black-faced gauges replace the 2017’s gray-faced units.
Pros Quick reflexes and acceleration, all-weather capability, stylish inside and out.
Cons Cramped cabin, turbo lag around town, ride can be overly firm at times.
The 2019 Jaguar E-Pace ranked #4 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Jaguar E-Pace has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 13 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Ample cargo room Controlled ride and handling
Cons Cramped rear seat Below-average fuel economy Underwhelming acceleration
The Jaguar E-Pace brings the British brand’s trademark style to the ever-expanding segment of small luxury crossovers. A turbo 2.0-liter inline-four makes 246 hp and has all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Pros Excellent road manners, comfortable for the driver plus one.
Cons Snug back seat; no, the I-Pace is the electric one.
Jaguar hasn't wasted any time catching up with rivals and establishing itself as a maker of crossover SUVs. Its first effort, the F-Pace, has been a big success thanks to its sharp style and sports car-like performance. Now the automaker has doubled-down on its SUV portfolio with the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged four-cylinder engines Relatively spacious accommodations Appealing mix of standard and optional luxury features Striking design from the inside out
CONS Ride quality can be harsh in some configurations with bigger wheels
