VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
150 kW
Torque
270 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
3300 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
—
Engine
1332 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Toyota Fortuner is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 130 kW while the Toyota Fortuner produces 150 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 7.3 l/100km while the Fortuner uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R913 640 for the GLA and R916 800 for the Fortuner. 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.
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
150 kW
Torque
270 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
—
Top Speed
210 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1332 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
209 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4795 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1855 mm
Height
1616 mm
1835 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2745 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
279 mm
Kerb Weight
1491 Kg
2190 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
3300 Kg
Load Capacity
525 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
7
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Fortuner
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
GLA
Practicality
Fortuner
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R913 640)
Less power than rival (130 kW vs 150 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota Fortuner
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or Fortuner?
The GLA uses 7.3 l/100km and the Fortuner uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLA or Fortuner?
The GLA produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Fortuner delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The Fortuner is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and Fortuner?
The GLA starts from R913 640 and the Fortuner from R916 800. The GLA is cheaper by R3 160 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or Fortuner?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Fortuner can tow 3300 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA or the Fortuner?
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.