2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA (car2) is the $8,650 MSRP difference, starting at $32,850 for the Toyota versus $41,500 for the Mercedes. Fuel economy is another critical split, with the RAV4 Hybrid achieving 39 combined MPG while the GLA yields only 29 combined MPG, even though both offer comparable power, generating 219 hp (RAV4) and 221 hp (GLA). Furthermore, the RAV4 Hybrid provides 37.6 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, the RAV4 runs on regular. This creates a clear separation in primary purchasing metrics, favoring practicality and efficiency with the RAV4, despite the GLA's marginally higher 258 lb-ft of torque.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid's superior 41/38 MPG city/highway efficiency significantly reduces operational costs for daily commuting.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
With 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the RAV4 offers more than double the usable storage space compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA utilizes a more engaging 8-speed automated manual transmission and provides 258 lb-ft of torque versus the RAV4's CVT.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid saves buyers $8,650 upfront and delivers a 10 MPG combined efficiency advantage, maximizing long-term financial utility.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid if...
- Your budget prioritizes a lower initial outlay, starting at $32,850 MSRP.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 39 combined MPG rating.
- You require substantial storage, benefiting from 37.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- A focus on a performance transmission is key, utilizing the 8-speed automated manual.
- You prefer the handling characteristics of a standard Front Wheel Drive platform.
- You desire the higher torque output of 258 lb-ft, despite requiring premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.0" | 72.2" |
| Height | 67.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 219 hp @ 5300 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 41/38 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 39 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 594.5/551.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the exact difference in standard fuel economy between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves a combined 39 MPG, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is rated for only 29 combined MPG, establishing a 10 MPG efficiency gap favoring the Toyota.
How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling large items?
The RAV4 Hybrid offers significantly more utility with 37.6 cu ft of cargo space available behind the rear seats. In contrast, the GLA provides only 15.4 cu ft, making it substantially less practical for large loads.
Is the horsepower output comparable for daily driving?
Yes, the power outputs are extremely close: the RAV4 Hybrid produces 219 hp, while the GLA registers 221 hp. However, the GLA has a torque advantage at 258 lb-ft compared to the RAV4.
What is the financial implication of the fuel requirement difference?
The RAV4 Hybrid runs on regular unleaded, while the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, adding an ongoing operational cost to the Mercedes-Benz ownership experience.
Which vehicle has the larger overall footprint?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the larger vehicle, measuring 180.9 inches in length and 67.0 inches in height. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is more compact, sitting at 173.6 inches long and 63.5 inches tall.
Does the difference in MSRP account for standard drivetrain configuration?
Yes, the $8,650 lower starting MSRP for the RAV4 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the more expensive GLA starts with Front Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool