Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 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.
Data checked: specs 13 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 7 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$72,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class & Toyota Prado
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- REC-005438 · published 17 May 2022The sealing of the brake booster may reduce due to corrosion.Year range on the notice: 2005 - 2013
- REC-000917 · published 7 Sep 2018Oil foam may develop in the system's oil reservoir under dynamic operating conditions if the oil is below the minimum level.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2016
- REC-000907 · published 26 Jul 2016The lower mount for the right rear seat belt may not have been fitted according to specification.Year range on the notice: 2015
Toyota Prado
- REC-006616 · published 3 Jun 2026Due to a software error, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual engine oil pressure light, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006302 · published 5 Mar 2025Due to an error in the fitting instructions for the optional accessory Electric Brake Controller, the Lower Driver’s Airbag Assembly (removed during accessory fitment) may have been reinstalled using the incorrect torque.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-001320 · published 6 Apr 2020The fuel pump on affected vehicles may stop operating.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2019
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Prado. The Toyota Prado counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class gets leather upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class uses a Petrol producing 285kW and 530Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed automatic (7g-tronic) to a AWD layout.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has the clear power advantage at 285kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,848/year for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and $2,166/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $1,682 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Prado.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (35 vs 77). The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Toyota Prado trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Prado will save you roughly $1,682 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado is the cheapest at $72,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Prado uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Toyota Prado holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class makes the most power at 285kW.
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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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