Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Toyota Prado
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
From $57,900
Coupe
Petrol
120kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
460L
Toyota Prado
From $73,200
SUV
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
10.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class the more affordable entry point by $15,300.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,690 and $80,520 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $5,840 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 85% for the Toyota Prado.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Prado.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 9 in the Toyota Prado.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class measures 4,688mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 302mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Prado generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 70L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and $3,021/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $1,168 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs $3,021 (Toyota Prado). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $1,168 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $1,168 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Toyota Prado?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $15,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado makes the most power at 150kW. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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