Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban (2016) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban (2016) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban (2016) Mercedes-Benz ₱2,450,000 | Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018) Nissan ₱2,165,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2016 | 2018 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/2-years | 3-years/100,000km |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1595cc | 2488cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged & Intercooled | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel |
| Max Power | 122 PS @ 5000 rpm | 129 PS @ 3200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 200 Nm @ 1250-4000 rpm | 356 Nm @ 1400 - 2000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed DCT | 5-speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 15:1 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Crossover | Van |
| Segment | J | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body on Frame |
| Doors | 5 | 3 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 15 |
| Length (mm) | 4417 | 5230 |
| Width (mm) | 1804 | 1880 |
| Height (mm) | 1494 | 2285 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2699 | 2940 |
| Exterior Colors | — | Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, Alpine White, Topaz Brown, Graphite Black |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 2255 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 65 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Spring strut and control arm | Torsion Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Control arm and trailing arm | Rigid Axle w/ Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18 Light Alloy | 15 steel |
| Rear Wheels | 18 Light Alloy | 15 steel |
| Front Tires | 235/50R18 | 195/70/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 235/50R18 | 195/70/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Steering Column | — | Tilt |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | No | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Air Conditioning | Manual Air Conditioning |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Fabric |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Multi-Info Display | No | No |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | Yes | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | No |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | Yes | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 4 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | BI – Xenon | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | No |
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban (2016) vs Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 AT (2018): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer, the choice between the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban and the Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium comes down to lifestyle and use case. The GLA is a compact luxury crossover suitable for individuals or small families who prioritize prestige, comfort, and city driving. It offers a refined turbocharged gas engine with 122 PS and 200 Nm, mated to a 7-speed DCT, making it responsive in urban traffic. However, at ₱2,450,000, it's more expensive than the Urvan, and it's a discontinued model with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. The Urvan, priced at ₱2,165,000, is significantly cheaper and a workhorse van with a turbo diesel engine delivering 129 PS and a massive 356 Nm of torque, ideal for carrying heavy loads or multiple passengers. Its body-on-frame construction and RWD layout provide durability and better towing capability, though it's less refined. The Urvan is still on sale and comes with a 3-year/100,000-km warranty. If you need a vehicle for commercial use, large families, or long trips with cargo, the Urvan is the practical choice. If you want a premium badge, sporty handling, and a compact footprint for city errands, the GLA is more fitting despite its higher price and discontinuation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
The Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium is cheaper at ₱2,165,000 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class GLA 180 Urban at ₱2,450,000, a difference of ₱285,000.
Which is more powerful?
The Nissan NV350 Urvan has more torque (356 Nm vs 200 Nm) and slightly more power (129 PS vs 122 PS), but its diesel engine delivers peak torque at lower RPMs, making it better for hauling. The GLA's gas engine is smoother for daily driving.
Which is better for daily commuting?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is better for daily commuting due to its compact size, comfortable ride, and 5-seat layout, with a more responsive transmission. The Urvan, a large van, is less maneuverable and better suited for carrying multiple passengers or cargo.
Which has a better warranty?
The Nissan NV350 Urvan offers a standard 3-year/100,000-km warranty, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. The Urvan's warranty is longer in years, but the GLA's unlimited mileage can benefit high-mileage drivers.