Mercedes-Benz EQA vs Toyota Prado
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQA starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $73,200. That makes the Toyota Prado the more affordable entry point by $6,700.
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 $87,890 and $80,520 respectively.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Prado, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mercedes-Benz EQA and 85% for the Toyota Prado.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz EQA 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 EQA and 9 in the Toyota Prado.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz EQA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz EQA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQA uses a Electric producing 140kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 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 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz EQA measures 4,463mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 527mm 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 340L in the Mercedes-Benz EQA and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Toyota Prado a 50L 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQA if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Prado takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Toyota Prado 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 EQA and Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado is the cheapest at $73,200 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQA by $6,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Prado uses the least fuel at 10.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQA 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 Toyota Prado has the largest boot at 390L.
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 EQA is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
