Compare performance (421 HP vs 309 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 37,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Toyota RAV4?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The compact SUV market is continually evolving, offering consumers impressive features and innovative technology. Two popular contenders in this space are the Mercedes GLA and the Toyota RAV4. Both vehicles promise an exceptional driving experience, but each offers different attributes that make them unique. Let's delve into a detailed comparison between these two stalwarts of the road.
The Mercedes GLA provides a variety of engine options, ranging from petrol to plug-in hybrids, with power outputs spanning from 116 HP to a dazzling 421 HP. The plug-in hybrid version combines a 1.3-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, offering a top electric range of 74 km. Its dual-clutch automatic transmission caters to both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive preferences, enhancing its dynamic performance.
Conversely, the Toyota RAV4 emphasizes its eco-friendly initiative with full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With power outputs between 218 HP and 306 HP, the RAV4 offers a CVT automatic transmission suitable for both front-wheel and all-wheel drives. An electric range reaching up to 75 km makes it a formidable contender in efficient mobility.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Toyota RAV4 edges out with a remarkable consumption rate of 5.6 L/100 km for hybrids and just 1 L/100 km for the plugin variant. The CO2 emissions are also lower, clocking in at 22 g/km for the most efficient model, aligning with Toyota's commitment to sustainability.
The GLA, in its hybrid versions, matches with a consumption of 1.1 L/100 km. However, the conventional petrol engines have a higher consumption, up to 9.5 L/100 km. The CO2 emissions vary significantly, with traditional variants reaching up to 216 g/km.
The Mercedes GLA is notably compact, despite its luxury branding. It measures just under 4.5 meters in length, making it a fantastic choice for urban settings. It offers a trunk capacity between 385 to 435 liters, providing ample space for daily errands or weekend getaways.
The RAV4 stands out with its more robust proportions at 4.6 meters in length and a substantially larger trunk space of 520 to 580 liters. These dimensions make it ideal for families or those in need of additional storage capacity.
When it comes to interior luxury, the Mercedes GLA shines with its contemporary design and cutting-edge technology, making every drive a premium experience. With seating for five, the GLA encapsulates a sophisticated charm that is quintessentially Mercedes.
The RAV4 offers a practical yet thoughtful interior design. It accommodates five passengers comfortably and provides an ease of use that suits a wide array of lifestyles. The cabin focuses on user-friendly technologies and high-quality materials, ensuring comfort during any journey.
Choosing between the Mercedes GLA and the Toyota RAV4 largely depends on what drivers prioritize in a vehicle. The GLA presents a glamorous and dynamic driving experience with its powerful options and luxury features. On the other hand, the RAV4 stands out with its commitment to efficiency, spaciousness, and practicality. Both models are exceptional examples of modern engineering and design, each offering unique advantages that cater to different preferences and needs.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Toyota RAV4 is marginally cheaper – starting at 37,700 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,131 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota RAV4 uses 1.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Toyota RAV4 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 137 km, about 63 km more than the Mercedes GLA.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers markedly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 309 HP. That’s roughly 112 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Toyota RAV4 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLA is barely lighter – 1,570 kg compared to 1,655 kg. The difference is around 85 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Toyota RAV4 offers somewhat more boot space – 514 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 79 L.
When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries moderately more – 610 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 110 kg.
The Toyota RAV4 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.
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The Toyota RAV4 is a pragmatic, family-friendly SUV that pairs impressively low running costs in hybrid form with a relaxed, motorway-friendly ride and a generous rear seat and boot that make everyday life easy. Its cabin leans toward practicality rather than polish—expect plenty of hard plastics and a tidy infotainment system that’s quick to respond but buries some climate functions in a touchscreen and can nag with drive‑recorder popups, so buyers wanting a premium feel or sporty dynamics should look elsewhere.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Price
37,700 - 54,200 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 5.3 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
74 km
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Electric Range
133 - 137 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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co2
30 - 121 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Curb weight
1,655 - 1,960 kg
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Trunk capacity
446 - 514 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Width
1,880 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
480 - 500 kg
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Payload
515 - 610 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
CVT
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Power HP
185 - 309 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 8 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Torque
-
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Power kW
136 - 227 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Toyota
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España