2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Off-Road Review: Mud, Rocks and Sand

[@drivingsports]

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[@Infantry4Life.RealWarFighters]

For the money, a 4runner would be a better vehicle.

[@giolats8179]

Nobody has tested the little gla like this. Congratulations Ryan! And excellent camera placing and filming as well!

[@AdiGV]

🤣 can you tell me which car got stuck on that river crossing? Must be a mini.

[@sojiroseta8393]

You should take almost every car up the toughest part of the course. If this Mercedes with so little ground clearance could do it then I think almost every other car could be put to the test there as well.

[@kevingonzalez9592]

thats true, if this Mercedes that its really bad at off roading then almost evrey all wheel drive car can make it

[@artagain8977]

Not quite. The 4Matic system is quite complex. Just any other car would not be able to do these (Check out TheFastLanes’s hill climb review of this car).

[@sonofcain14]

Great review. The little GLA seems pretty capable considering 99% of owners would never take it off Road

[@julianorozco2017]

I took to FL and Back!

[@topperharley8322]

Been counting down the days for this one. Awesomely capable car, reviewed excellently.

[@nickhuf3099]

The car is pretty good but I have had problems with the automatic transmission having trouble on hills even on paved roads. To get anything repaired you have to go to Mercedes who balloons prices in general

[@gethinnadin]

Really great video. Fun to watch. I’ve ordered a GLA. Unlikely I’ll take it off road, but great to know it can handle a lot more than I expected.

[@handas2]

Not sure if it’s available for review yet, but the 2021 Mercedes E450 All-Terrain looks promising

[@es0terra]

How does this vehicle with 4matic compare to the Subaru Outback AAWD?

[@dilshadbeershad4092]

Amazing off-road review. Keep going. Best wishes for you

[@swanblake]

I'm incredibly impressed. I was worried this would be like the Volvo and be more fwd dependent. This GLA seemed perfect with power distribution

[@niuhuskieguy]

The weakness here is the dual clutch transmission. Good news is it seems the wet clutch design here faired far better than Hyundais dry clutch setup.

[@julianorozco2017]

I have my gla 250 from. 2021. Loved it so much once my lease is up. gonna end up buying it. My dealer gave me a horrible offer for an upgrade. He looked for the interest of the dealership while I will be looking out for the interest of my wallet! at $27k residual value; it ain't a bad deal compared to market values...no brainer!!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Pretty cool video on this 4Matic, Ryan.. Did not think the most inexpensive Mercedes's 4Matic, as you pointed out, could successfully traverse the obstacles you put it Though. Well done, Sir.

[@kurdphoenix8361]

Making best reviews ever thank you for the great review and test your fan from kurdistan region

[@NeoTechGuy22]

Would love to see you review the GLA’S bigger brother, the GLB. Curious if the bigger and heavier body with the same engine and drivetrain will be a problem.

[@AWDfreak]

The AWD and traction control isn't the problem here. It's the DCT. For having a DCT and no low-range available, it did very well.

[@champ0927]

A good driver can do much with something little; a bad driver can only do too little despite having much.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

On the crosscut I can see the traction control light flashing like mad. If you want power to the wheels disable TCS. It’s hard to go places when TCS is cutting power to the wheels.

[@tmwall25]

open diffs - without traction control all the power would go to the lifted wheel(path of least resistance). the traction control brakes the spinning wheel and pushes power to the wheels that are on the ground and have traction.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

@@tmwall25 must be a rubbish 4WD system then as it should have brake torque vectoring so shift power. All TCS off would do is allow more slip. With it on it retards the throttle and stops power going to the wheels to prevent spinning. Any decent 4WD system can still brake a wheel (or use clutch packs) to send power to the wheels that need it. TCS does brake wheels in many systems but it’s main purpose is reduction of throttle typically.

[@stupidstickmen84]

Thank you for this video. I plan on taking mine on some adventures like this 😅

[@aasimyousaf2455]

Wow. I did not see that ad coming

[@bob-ej9zg]

4magic system is awesome

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

I bought a brand new Mercedes 2023 GLA a month ago. I think it is called GLA45 AMG or AMG GLA 45 I am not sure of the model. My first Mercedes. I like it.

[@naitikjadwani6743]

COOL VIDEO

[@edoardososcia4260]

I would be curios to see how Velar behaves

[@ooops15]

Amazing as always. It will be great to test and compare it to his new GLB brother. Is bigger car and I'm very curious how it will perform. I do hope we will see GLB soon. :)

[@squarecatcreative]

FYI your audio is at least a few dB lower than most other channels (using such examples as Motor Trend, Associated Press, MKBHD)

[@juanlondono4663]

Awesome video, awesome driver!

[@khansir5875]

This is what I concern about 👍 nice job driving sport 👍

[@patrickchebos6041]

Fantastic challenge and great result!

[@K03sport]

Those tires blow for this kinda stuff; pro contact is for paved surfaces...Is Karleena going to be one of the Sorceresses from the game for Halloween? I think she could pull it off really well. If so, I'd like to by her a coffee/tea from a not-Starbucks. I think she should wear her costume in your next video...and Ryan, you can wear yours too so you're not left out...

[@CarGuy11]

Would turning off traction control prevent the power cutting out?

[@ooops15]

Amazing. Looking forward to see bigger brother GLB version.

[@somotolla]

wowww your driving scared me lol cool video

[@panchitom]

I tested like this on a vulcano 4800 m.a.s.l. No problem doing this

[@alessandrocondotta7106]

What about the 2020 BMW X1 XDrive in the same conditions? It will be interesting to see the comparison

[@hoanguyen654]

Quá đẹp, GLA 2021 quá đẹp, Cộng đồng việt nam đang chờ đợi, mong có sớm trong năm nay

[@ahbenjamin2889]

Ryan are you sure the 2.0 is 250 hp?

[@drivingsports]

221... oof. Well, at least it has 258 lbs-ft of torque. Mixed it up with the name. Grrr.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

I enjoy you very much and your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@tcecoleshaw]

A foot deep!? Try the tyrewall height of about 3 inches 😆. But a useful video all the same, thank you.

[@DonFather]

After watching this, I just had to go watch the G-wagon test/review.

[@poorboyrally]

Wonder how it would do with some A/T tires?

[@Justin87878]

The tire really is the limiting factor. All-terrain or mud-terrain will transform any SUV or Wagon right away.

[@kashsattar2066]

I'd love to see a good view of the cockpit showing the 4 wd system moving the power around and how it dies it and when.

[@allanragpa]

Great review. I’ve been waiting to something like this to be done on Gla2021. Have you tried using it on beach sand ?

[@hhvidz]

Amazing test Ryan, what locations did you use?

[@horsepowerandtalk1033]

Try measuring under the "axles".

[@MistaRhoi]

I really LOVE the design, fit, finish, and features of the German cars, but do those even matter if it isn’t reliable enough to get you to and from your destination? I’ve gotten stranded a couple times in locations (once in a brand new suv) where I didn’t have phone service. I now prioritize reliability before the rest of the attributes simply for peace of mind.

[@josiaevans]

WHICH German car left you stranded, a couple times??

[@MistaRhoi]

@@josiaevans VW Tiguan - 2 months into owning it the comfort control module was bad and left me in the middle of the forest unable to unlock my car with the remote. I used the keyhole, but then the immobilizer didn't allow me to start my car. The horn kept on honking and lights flashing until the battery ran out. Took them two weeks to fix the issue and it happened again. Kept it again and finally fixed that issue. Two years later I was on the freeway and all of a sudden the engine shut off while the rest of the car's lights and everything were still on. Took them another two weeks to fix the issue. Once it was "fixed" I drove it across the street and traded it in for a Subaru.

[@sakichugouken2474]

i have the 2WD GLA200. At 10:00 where you measure clearance, i think you don't measure the lowest part of the car. Actually if you check the exhaust pipe under the car, it goes a little lower than the point you measure the clearance from, so maybe that is why Mercedes give this low clearance. Not sure if there is anything different in the 250 4Matic. I am only talking about my car.

[@oliverlondon5246]

Great car!

[@davidnjuguna9477]

Did we say the GLA has 9 inches of ground clearance with just the driver inside? Better than the 8.7 inches of the Subaru Forester?

[@europeanfootball1921]

Can you do in Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 w206 ?

[@jpch8814]

Very nice and classy crossover, however AWD wise the Audi Q3 was better.

[@artagain8977]

How so?

[@flat4forlife588]

I'd take a base forester instead but I am biased of course lol

[@K03sport]

...never buy a base (trim) Subaru anything...always go Premium, Limited, or higher when possible. If you can, try not to go lower than Limited, but never, ever, go below the Premium trim...ask me how I've come to this conclusion.

[@flat4forlife588]

@@K03sport I beg to differ but that is because I like my vehicles as minimal as possible. I have owned plenty of subarus, hence my handle and icon. For the forester specifically, I detest the roof rails as in the winter they make it hard to remove snow from the door sides as opposed to front and back. I prefer the steel wheels as well. If you take care of them they look fine for years. Alloys (other than weight) are just a visual item that does make a vehicle any better. I prefer as little electronic extras as possible so base models for me fits the bill. For those who like creature comforts, I agree with you. Basic is best for long term avoidance of issues when it comes to those creature comforts. I guess I am just old school. I currently have a 2016 legacy premium (wanted base at the time but the ball and chain at the time wanted a premium) and the base would have provided the same function as I barely use any features other than the radio. I do live up north and the heated wipers and mirros are nice for winter but not necessary. Remember, there was a time when these things didn't exist and people were just fine.

[@WaywardPondering]

Base is the better value. I went with premium only because I wanted SiriusXM. I turned off or disabled all the extra stuff the car came with.

[@smartdoctorphysicist3095]

Hi can you tell me does the 2015, 16 17,18 are just has good off road has the one you are driving?? Please let me know.

[@UltraGaming-ec1of]

The only water crossing that I want to see...event its not to deep

[@viewqueen]

Common! You’re an excellent car😀💛

[@gery4870]

Can you test the XC40 Electric Off-Road ?? Thanks so much. Greetings from Barcelona :=)

[@douglasunmack961]

How many scratches did you have after this day out though?

[@tritchie6272]

Seems like I've seen you have an easier time with other crossovers. I wonder how much more power would help keep it from shutting down so much.

[@jlolivelondon]

How would compare this GLA vs Subarus ? The crosstrek for exemple ? I’m in France so only e-boxer is on sale.

[@sherwinchia8114]

You were worried about a foot of water? Mate, that's not a river 😂 you need to see the ones in the Northern Territory Australia

[@armaniusmaximus]

Nice video Ryan! Any chance you can put the ,2018-2021 Audi Q5 through the same test? Been dying to find out the Quattro's capability. Thank you.

[@Gregphotogregd]

How about a test of the Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition and the Mercedes GLE.

[@ullas1thomas]

Just an everyday situation here in India with a maruti suzuki wagon r!

[@heyitsdeepankar]

2021 GLC 300 4MATIC test please ??

[@giolats8179]

If GLA was tested like this, I wonder what the Defender test will be...

[@alecs2133]

Any chance getting the new Sorento in for a review?

[@harigurung2015]

Usually in awd which wheel will engage mostly, fwd or rwd??

[@ehk8029]

gla 250 o subaru xv for off road? 🤔

[@ninj493]

Drive the GLA on indian roads Only then you'll get the feeling of real offroad drive 🤣🤣🤣

[@jtcber]

Have you done similar test to the GLC?

[@drivingsports]

Nope. Haven't had a GLC to test yet.

[@collinmager9272]

I live in the Seattle area, where is this road and how can I access it? Thank you.

[@Fr4nkSanchez]

It does looks a little like Murano 2014

[@441meatloaf]

not bad

[@niuhuskieguy]

This just shows the downside of a dual clutch transmission offroad.

[@drivingsports]

On the upside: it did way better than the Kia Seltos.

[@niuhuskieguy]

@@drivingsports I would say likely one of the main advantages of the wet clutch design vs dry clutch

[@travelingengineer7649]

My chevrolet spark 2010 can do all this.

[@jeanpaullgarcia1810]

Should have turned aventure mode off in the last part

[@danjarupath]

Cool

[@mehmetgundogdu6277]

Its ground clearance is not enough.

[@SuperV8driver]

What kind a transmission does this very car have?

[@elliecharlton68]

Automatic

[@SuperV8driver]

@@elliecharlton68 yea but DCT or torque converter.

[@artagain8977]

@@SuperV8driver 8 speed DCT

[@aryub5851]

So check how many lights would come on the next morning including engine light 😂

[@AhmedAddas]

good car but need some improvement in dash quality

[@speterj]

I call shotgun at @10:24

[@stefanhansen5882]

I am a little puzzled. This seems like a hill similar to one I drove on in my VW up! Yes, I had to go rather fast in a low gear, but the little VW up! did it. So what is impressive about this - only that it does it slowly?

[@stefanhansen5882]

I am referring to the road at about 5 minutes in.

[@drivingsports]

The first road has specific features to see how capable they are before taking them on more advanced trails. The VW Haldex system is pretty good in recent years, so I wouldn’t expect you to have issues with that leg. Some vehicles do, however. The Kia Seltos overheated. The Honda HRV has to take the loser line. Keep watching as things get much harder by the end.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@drivingsports I did watch, and yes, my little up! would NOT go there.

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@drivingsports My point was that I think momentum can make a lot of cars go where they "cannot" go, if we dare to risk some scratches.

[@DiegoRodriguez-kl8ke]

1:50 - 2:55 SPAM!

[@rsmnh7892]

Even my Mazda 2 2006 Neo, two wheel drive, will pass that Creek with no drama. You seemed distracted in this review this time.

[@joesierolon5171]

YEAH SET IT TO AVENGERS THEME🤡

[@thetruthcanchangeyourlife1762]

Design is outdated. I think it's looks like 2015 maximum

[@jpch8814]

This is a German car, not a gaudy Asian vehicle, they are classy, reserved, and elegant. They remain awesome looking after years.

[@slooriginal1727]

@@jpch8814 I think this one will age less than the old one

[@jpch8814]

@@slooriginal1727 Who knows really? You might be right. Only time will tell.

[@tunintunin3417]

50 grand, what do you really expect, wth, like 50000 is pocket money, perhaps for him...

[@jeffrycarbajal5452]

I would like to see it in sand

[@imtheboss8414]

If i get it i wont offroad with it

[@AdiGV]

Congrats on making it over dramatic. You would fit well with the History or Discovery channel.

[@drivingsports]

No chairs were thrown. Missed opportunity to go full Discovery Channel. 🪑

[@alexsiul1142]

$51k for this....smh

[@kookmar7431]

Dont.understand the game.thing

[@ghostgutarist5234]

only 50K ..... ok

[@mountainflower5148]

💫💫💫💫💫

[@rachelhasian760]

it's just a hatchback with cosmetic exterior

[@Somebodysomewheresometime]

😂😂😂you were so happy when it made it lmao!! I was too - I just ordered one🙌 great video - ty!

[@EnupemeAnendethekaurinth]

Thry shoulf just call it baenzerdes othetreise it cant succeed

[@КлараАбдуллаева-н9м]

U drive so slowly ( !

[@robsonrissotrainer]

You seemed more tired driving it that if you would be pushing it? Why you out of breath man? You are just driving what's wrong with you? You called that little water a river? I dont know how much mercedes are paying for you but I have the same car, any civic would go and do the same thing you doing, this is nothing special so don't try to fool people pretending this is out of this planet because is not