VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
110 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
5.1 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
8.8 s
Engine
2999 cc
1950 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu MU-X and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Isuzu MU-X delivers 140 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 110 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the GLA uses 5.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 032 190 for the MU-X and R982 080 for the GLA. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Isuzu MU-X3.0d ONYX XT 4x4 A/T 2026 - From R1 032 190
Mercedes-Benz GLA200d A/T 2023 - From R982 080
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
110 kW
Torque
450 Nm
320 Nm
0-100 kph
—
8.8 s
Top Speed
-
208 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
1950 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
5.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
200 g/km
132 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4412 mm
Width
1870 mm
1834-2020 mm
Height
1820 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
143 mm
Kerb Weight
2110 Kg
1620 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
629 lkg
520 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
2
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
GLA
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R982 080)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 140 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or GLA?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the GLA uses 5.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the MU-X or GLA?
The MU-X produces 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the GLA delivers 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The MU-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and GLA?
The MU-X starts from R1 032 190 and the GLA from R982 080. The GLA is cheaper by R50 110 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the MU-X or GLA?
The MU-X has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLA can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the MU-X or the GLA?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.