2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$44,815 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (Car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB (Car2) is in fuel efficiency, where the RAV4 delivers a 10 MPG combined advantage (38 MPG vs. 28 MPG). Furthermore, Car1 possesses a substantial 81 horsepower lead, outputting 302 hp compared to the GLB's 221 hp. The Toyota's $44,815 MSRP is slightly higher than the Mercedes' $43,800, but this cost difference must be weighed against the RAV4's 42 miles of pure electric range, a metric the GLB entirely lacks. Physically, the GLB offers greater length (182.4 inches vs. 180.9 inches), though the RAV4 provides a significant cargo advantage with 33.5 cu ft versus the GLB's 22 cu ft. The power/efficiency balance strongly favors the hybrid system in operational costs, despite the Mercedes utilizing a required premium fuel type.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid offers an exclusive 42 miles of electric range and a superior combined efficiency of 38 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

With 33.5 cu ft of cargo space, the RAV4 provides significantly more utility than the GLB's 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 delivers substantially more power, achieving 302 hp versus the GLB's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite a slightly higher MSRP of $44,815, the RAV4's fuel savings and EV range offer better long-term operational value.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize fuel economy and can utilize the 42 miles of all-electric range daily.
You require maximum cargo utility, as 33.5 cu ft significantly exceeds the competition's capacity.
You desire higher performance metrics, evidenced by the 302 hp output and standard AWD.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

You prefer a lower initial purchase price, with an MSRP of $43,800.
You prioritize the feel and responsiveness of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle structure (182.4 inches) and standard Front Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	180.9"	182.4"
Width	73.0"	72.2"
Height	67.0"	66.7"
Wheelbase	105.9"	111.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	302 hp @ 6000 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)	40/36 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	580.0/522.0 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	94 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	42 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	36	—
Charging Time (240V)	4.5 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.9 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 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 Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.8 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	54.9 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	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/60R18	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 Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

How does the fuel requirement difference impact long-term costs between the two models?

The Toyota RAV4 uses regular unleaded and achieves 38 combined MPG, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB mandates premium fuel and returns only 28 combined MPG. This mandates a higher ongoing fuel expenditure for the GLB owner, especially factoring in the 42 miles of electric driving the RAV4 can cover before needing any gasoline.

Is the power difference between the 302 hp RAV4 and the 221 hp GLB noticeable in daily driving?

Yes, the 81 hp disparity strongly favors the RAV4. The 302 hp output, combined with its standard AWD system, suggests superior acceleration and passing power compared to the FWD-based GLB, which has 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers better practicality for carrying cargo?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is the clear leader in cargo capacity, providing 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is substantially more voluminous than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB's 22 cubic feet.

Does the GLB's luxury badge compensate for the RAV4's EV range?

While the GLB offers a premium experience, the RAV4 provides the measurable benefit of 42 miles of zero-emission driving, which is a functional advantage the GLB cannot match, irrespective of branding.

Comparing their stated dimensions, which vehicle is physically larger?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is slightly longer at 182.4 inches compared to the RAV4's 180.9 inches. However, the RAV4 is notably wider at 73.0 inches versus the GLB's 72.2 inches.

Why is the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid priced higher despite being the efficiency winner?

The RAV4's higher MSRP of $44,815 reflects the inclusion of its complex hybrid and plug-in electric powertrain technology and standard all-wheel drive capability. The lower-priced GLB ($43,800) utilizes a less efficient conventional powertrain and standard front-wheel drive.