VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
127 kW
Torque
270 Nm
203 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
—
Engine
1332 cc
1987 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 130 kW while the Toyota RAV4 produces 127 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 7.3 l/100km while the RAV4 uses 6.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R913 640 for the GLA and R734 100 for the RAV4. 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
127 kW
Torque
270 Nm
203 Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
—
Top Speed
210 Km/h
190 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1332 cc
1987 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4600 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1855 mm
Height
1616 mm
1690 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
200 mm
Kerb Weight
1491 Kg
1565-1610 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
733 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
525 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
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
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota RAV4
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLA
Fuel Economy
RAV4
Value
RAV4
Practicality
RAV4
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota RAV4
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R734 100)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (127 kW vs 130 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or RAV4?
The GLA uses 7.3 l/100km and the RAV4 uses 6.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RAV4 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 RAV4?
The GLA produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the RAV4 delivers 127 kW and 203 Nm of torque. The GLA is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and RAV4?
The GLA starts from R913 640 and the RAV4 from R734 100. The RAV4 is cheaper by R179 540 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or RAV4?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the RAV4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA or the RAV4?
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.