2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (car1) and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner (car2) lies in fuel economy, with the GLA-Class achieving a 29 MPG combined rating compared to the 4Runner's 22 MPG combined. This 7 MPG advantage translates to lower running costs for the Mercedes, which also mandates premium fuel. Conversely, the 4Runner boasts superior power, delivering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque against the GLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Furthermore, cargo capacity heavily favors the larger 4Runner at 48.4 cubic feet versus the GLA's limited 15.4 cubic feet. Despite the 4Runner being nearly 21 inches longer at 194.9 inches, the Mercedes carries a slightly higher MSRP of $43,000 compared to the 4Runner's $41,270 base price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy, significantly reducing daily operational costs.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the clear choice for families, offering a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to only 15.4 cu ft in the GLA-Class.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Enthusiasts will prefer the 4Runner for its higher output of 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard RWD configuration.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner provides substantially more vehicle size and power metrics for a lower initial MSRP of $41,270 compared to the GLA-Class at $43,000.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- Your priority is fuel efficiency, capitalizing on the 29 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a smaller footprint, with the GLA-Class measuring only 173.6 inches in length.
- You require the quick-shifting dynamics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You need maximum utility, supported by 48.4 cu ft of available cargo volume.
- Performance metrics are key, favoring the 278 hp and 317 lb-ft torque output.
- You wish to avoid premium fuel requirements, as the 4Runner uses regular unleaded.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 194.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 78.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 72.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 380.0/494.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 8 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 56.1 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P245/70R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
What is the primary performance difference between the two models?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner produces substantially more power with 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, resulting in the 4Runner being the superior choice for acceleration and towing metrics.
How significant is the size difference, particularly for city parking?
The size disparity is significant; the 4Runner is 194.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, whereas the GLA-Class is only 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. This means the GLA-Class is considerably easier to maneuver and fit into tighter parking spaces than the substantially larger 4Runner SUV.
Does the higher price of the Mercedes GLA translate to better running costs?
No, despite the $43,000 MSRP being higher than the 4Runner's $41,270, the GLA-Class requires mandatory premium unleaded fuel. Although it achieves 29 MPG combined versus 22 MPG combined for the 4Runner, the fuel type difference must be factored into long-term operational expenses.
Which vehicle provides better utility for hauling gear?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers over three times the standard cargo capacity of the GLA-Class, boasting 48.4 cu ft versus the Mercedes' 15.4 cu ft. This makes the 4Runner vastly more capable for transporting luggage, sports equipment, or large grocery hauls.
What differentiates the standard drivetrain configurations?
The base configuration for the Mercedes GLA-Class uses front-wheel drive, while the Toyota 4Runner defaults to rear-wheel drive. Furthermore, the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the 4Runner employs a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Is the horsepower deficit in the GLA noticeable in daily driving?
While the GLA's 221 hp is adequate for merging and daily commuting tasks, the 57 hp deficit compared to the 4Runner's 278 hp will be readily apparent during hard acceleration or when climbing steep grades fully loaded.
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