VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
176 kW
Torque
320 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
4.7 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
—
Engine
1950 cc
2487 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 110 kW while the Toyota RAV4 produces 176 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 5.1 l/100km while the RAV4 uses 4.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R982 080 for the GLA and R941 800 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
110 kW
176 kW
Torque
320 Nm
221+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
—
Top Speed
208 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
2487 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
4.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
132 g/km
107 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
4645 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1880 mm
Height
1616 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
186 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
1740 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
732 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
520 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
✓ 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 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
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
4 / 4 categories
Performance
RAV4
Fuel Economy
RAV4
Value
RAV4
Practicality
RAV4
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 176 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota RAV4
More powerful engine (176 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R941 800)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or RAV4?
The GLA uses 5.1 l/100km and the RAV4 uses 4.7 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 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the RAV4 delivers 176 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The RAV4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and RAV4?
The GLA starts from R982 080 and the RAV4 from R941 800. The RAV4 is cheaper by R40 280 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.