Enthuasists may cringe at the term crossover, but the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class is not the bloated people carrier usually associated with that word. Despite being marketed as an SUV, it鈥檚 really more of a sport-oriented hatchback with a slightly increased ride height. And although it has been refreshed for the 2018 model year, its core values remain intact鈥攚hy change what works? Updates to the 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鈥檚 7.0-incher; additional chrome brightwork adorns the door panels and the center console; and new, more legible black-faced gauges replace the 2017鈥檚 gray-faced units. A backup camera is now standard, and the power rear liftgate can be opened or closed with a quick wave of your foot under the bumper, so long as the key fob is in your pocket. Android Auto joins the connectivity party as part of the Smartphone Integration package that previously included only Apple CarPlay.

The GLA has never been particularly roomy, and the 2018 model is no different. Front-seat occupants don鈥檛 have much to complain about, especially when seated in the Benz鈥檚 optional sport seats, but those relegated to the back may feel cramped on longer journeys. Fitting five adults in the GLA makes for an all-too-intimate setting that鈥檚 unpleasant even for short trips. The panoramic sunroof fitted to the GLA250 4MATIC we drove robbed precious headroom, too. Although the cabin isn鈥檛 as posh as what you鈥檒l find in an S-class鈥攐r even a C-class, for that matter鈥攊t鈥檚 stylish enough, a bit more so with the newly added flourishes. It also seems well made and from high-quality materials. Under the GLA鈥檚 contoured hood lies the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four as before. Its 208 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque are dispatched through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and then out to either the front or all four wheels. Mercedes-Benz claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 7.1 seconds, but in our test of a 2016 GLA250 4MATIC鈥擬ercedes-speak for all-wheel drive鈥攚e managed to shave a second off that estimate.

That鈥檚 quick enough for a small crossover, and we have no reason to think the 2018 model won鈥檛 be just as swift. The turbocharger needs time to spool up, so when driven with a light right foot, the GLA feels more sluggish than its performance numbers suggest. The dual-clutch transmission is no help, either鈥攊t lurches from gear to gear, particularly in the Comfort driving mode. Even when Sport mode is engaged, the gearbox continues to exhibit a certain unpredictability, but it鈥檚 less noticeable since engine speeds hang higher in the rev range. Handling is sharp and sure-footed, though, which gives the GLA a sporty feel that its softer, more SUV-like rivals lack. The steering wheel needs only a light touch; its precision is appreciated and adds to the GLA鈥檚 agility. Take a corner at speed and the GLA settles in quickly with its firm suspension allowing little body roll. The trade-off for such eagerness is a ride that can feel choppy and unnecessarily rough over bumpy stretches.

Those seeking isolation from the unpleasantries of our country鈥檚 pockmarked infrastructure should look at the Lexus NX or perhaps the Lincoln MKC. Those softies are simply better at smoothing out road imperfections, but driving enthusiasts will prefer the GLA on a snaking back road. With the intent of dispelling the notion that the GLA is incapable of actual off-roading, Benz set up a trial area in a woodsy expanse inside Hungary鈥檚 Hungaroring racetrack and set us loose. With its Dynamic Select toggle set to the Off-Road driving mode, the 4MATIC system uses individual brakes to regulate traction at both axles. The system is surprisingly adept, and the GLA managed to claw its way up the steep dirt passes. Heading back down, we were instructed to punch a chrome-veneered button on the center console marked DSR. It stands for Downhill Speed Regulation鈥攊t鈥檚 more commonly known as hill-descent control鈥攁nd with it activated, the GLA will safely creep down a grade at a preset speed.