VS
At a Glance
Power
215 kW
163 kW
Torque
550 Nm
221+e Nm
Fuel
5.5 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
—
Engine
1993 cc
2487 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 215 kW while the Toyota Rav4 produces 163 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.5 l/100km while the Rav4 uses 4.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 431 756 for the GLC and R858 500 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
215 kW
163 kW
Torque
550 Nm
221+e Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
—
Top Speed
243 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 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
9
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.5 l/100km
4.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
55 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
109 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4600 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1855 mm
Height
1640 mm
1685 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2690 mm
Ground Clearance
—
195 mm
Kerb Weight
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
1730-1750 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
733 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
545 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Rav4
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
More powerful engine (215 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Rav4
Better fuel economy (4.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R858 500)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (163 kW vs 215 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Rav4?
The GLC uses 5.5 l/100km and the Rav4 uses 4.8 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 GLC or Rav4?
The GLC produces 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Rav4 delivers 163 kW and 221+e Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Rav4?
The GLC starts from R1 431 756 and the Rav4 from R858 500. The Rav4 is cheaper by R573 256 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or Rav4?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Rav4 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC 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.