2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (Car 1) and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (Car 2) is the $10,150 MSRP gap, with the RAV4 starting at $32,850 compared to the GLA's $43,000. Efficiency strongly favors the RAV4 Hybrid, achieving a combined 39 MPG on regular unleaded versus the GLA's 29 MPG requiring premium fuel. Power output is similar, with Car 1 offering 221 hp against Car 2's 219 hp. However, cargo volume dramatically favors Car 2, providing 37.6 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA has a slightly narrower footprint at 72.2 inches wide, the RAV4 Hybrid offers superior utility and significantly lower running costs due to its fuel economy advantage and use of regular gasoline.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 39 MPG combined efficiency and lower operating costs requiring regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid offers nearly double the utility with 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, alongside standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Despite similar horsepower (221 hp vs. 219 hp), the GLA offers 258 lb-ft of torque managed by a precise 8-speed automated manual transmission.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
With a $10,150 lower MSRP and substantially better fuel economy, the RAV4 Hybrid provides far greater overall value.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- If you prioritize the luxury aesthetic and require the specific handling dynamics of the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- If having a maximum of 26 MPG city is acceptable for the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- If the lower height (63.5 inches) and slightly smaller overall exterior dimensions better suit your specific parking constraints.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if...
- If minimizing fuel expenses is a priority, leveraging the 39 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel.
- If maximum utility is required, capitalizing on the 37.6 cu ft of standard cargo space.
- If standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary, as the GLA offers only Front Wheel Drive in its base configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 180.9" |
| Width | 72.2" | 73.0" |
| Height | 63.5" | 67.0" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 105.9" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 219 hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/34 MPG | 41/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 39 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/459.0 mi. | 594.5/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.5 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 | — | ✓ |
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 | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | 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 | — | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 47.7 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 225/65R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
What is the impact of the required fuel type difference on ownership costs?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA requires premium unleaded, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded needed for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This difference, combined with the RAV4's 10 MPG greater efficiency, results in substantially lower annual fueling expenses for Car 2.
How much larger is the cargo area in the RAV4 Hybrid compared to the GLA?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. This is more than double the 15.4 cu ft provided by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, making Car 2 significantly more practical for hauling large items.
Are the performance outputs significantly different between these two crossovers?
Performance metrics are very close; the GLA produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the RAV4 Hybrid generates 219 hp. The perceived driving difference will likely stem more from the GLA's 8-speed automated manual versus the RAV4's CVT.
Does the base GLA-Class include All-Wheel Drive like the RAV4 Hybrid?
No, the standard 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is equipped with Front Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes standard with All Wheel Drive, a measurable advantage in poor weather traction.
Is the price disparity ($10,150) justified by the Mercedes-Benz's smaller size and less utility?
From a purely objective, utility-based metric, the $10,150 price premium for the GLA is difficult to justify against the RAV4's superior MPG, cargo space, and AWD. The premium largely reflects luxury branding over quantifiable utility specifications.
How do the exterior dimensions compare for urban maneuverability?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is slightly shorter in length (173.6 inches vs. 180.9 inches) and narrower (72.2 inches vs. 73.0 inches). However, the RAV4 Hybrid is considerably taller at 67.0 inches compared to the GLA's 63.5 inches.
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