Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GLK | Volkswagen Jetta | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 104.4 in | 4.1 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 182.2 in | -3.9 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 70.0 in | 2.4 in |
Height | 66.9 in | 57.2 in | 9.7 in |
Curb Weight | 4034 lb. | 2804 lb. | 1230 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 2.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 38.2 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 55.2 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 0.0 in | 53.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 41.2 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.7 in | 37.1 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.4 in | 53.6 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.5 in | 0.0 in | 52.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.1 in | 38.1 in | -3 in |
Total Legroom | 76.9 in (over 2 rows) | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | -2.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 23.3 ft3 | 15.5 ft3 | 7.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.7 ft3 | 15.5 ft3 | 39.2 ft3 |
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2011 | Expect the GLK to grow when it is next fully redesigned. A smaller MLK is on the way to battle the upcoming Audi Q3 and just-arrived BMW X1. For 2013, the GLK's body structure remains essentially the same, so rear seat knee room remains just sufficient for a man of average height sitting behind another such man. (Headroom, on the other hand, is abundant.) Among competitors, only the Infiniti EX37 has a tighter rear seat. The Audi, BMW, and Volvo all offer knees another inch or three. Seat comfort is debatable. To my bottom, the GLK's seats feel overly firm. Cargo space is similarly short of the segment average. The GLK's 54.7 cubic feet isn't far behind the Audi's 57.3 but well below the X3's 63.3. That truncated tail has a downside beyond aesthetics. But do these shortcomings really matter? For most people nearly all of the time, there's enough space. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I have a problem with headroom. So many cars give me less than a half inch from my scalp to the frame on the sunroof. That hurts over bumps, not to mention what my hair looks like when I get out. GLK has over an inch of space for me. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 168hp 2.1L I4 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
We are a couple with no kids and we rarely have visitors so the cramped rear seating is not a problem. Someone with teenage kids will want to seriously reconsider before getting a GLK. I know my Mom would not appreciate the ingress/egress ease as she has some limited mobility. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
If you are 6' plus like me, you will have to adjust the front seat forward if you want passengers to ride with you unless they are quite small. But this is a perfect city hauler for a single or couple. see full Mercedes-Benz GLK review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This vehicle was intended to be the "Mommy Mobile". My wife also likes to drive most of the time in "Her Car". I am 6 ft 205 lb; with my 22 month old daughter in a forward facing car seat, I feel I have to pull my seat some what forward to allow her room. This makes my knees kinda touch the glove box. It really only is a problem if shes is fussy, and does not want anything near her. (Instead of hearing her fuss I move it....sometimes.) see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The rear seat is a little small but compared to other compact cars it is not bad, Still cramped if your over 6 feet. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |