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 2018 Jaguar F-Pace ranked #4 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Jaguar F-Pace has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 21 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sports-car-like handling Comfortably seats five adults Extra-large cargo hold Fuel-efficient optional turbodiesel engine
Cons Minor irritations with the infotainment system Optional turbodiesel engine is sluggish off the line
Jaguar adds a third engine option for the 2018 F-Pace. A 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the new engine for the base model. A more powerful 296-hp version is also new and arrives midway through the model year. It replaces the 340-hp version of the supercharged V6.
PROS Available supercharged V6 delivers quick and powerful acceleration Bigger cargo space than many rivals Handles and brakes like a sport sedan Fuel-efficient diesel option gets 29 mpg combined
CONS More road and wind noise in the cabin than competitors The larger the wheels, the poorer the ride comfort Mediocre infotainment system with clunky smartphone integration Interior materials feel cheap for a luxury SUV at this price
The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace is a statement of style over sedans. It looks like it belongs, which we suppose is the point.
Pros Great road manners and sporty feel Variety of engine and trim choices Attractive styling Widescreen infotainment unit
Cons Safety features and rearview camera are added-cost options Interior too dark and plain in some colors Ride can be harsh in larger wheel size configurations
