Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Nissan Patrol

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLA a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Nissan Patrol a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Patrol gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan Patrol. The Nissan Patrol counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Nissan Patrol offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 3-zone in the Nissan Patrol.

Drivetrain

The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Nissan Patrol responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

The Nissan Patrol has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 120kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Nissan Patrol is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 764mm shorter than the Nissan Patrol at 5,175mm (3,075mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Patrol generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 620L in the Nissan Patrol, giving the Nissan Patrol a 185L advantage. The Nissan Patrol seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Nissan Patrol leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mercedes-Benz GLA's turning circle is 1.5 m tighter, 11.0 m against 12.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLA costs about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Nissan Patrol about $4,104 a year (14.4 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $2,337 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLA) and 5 years / Unlimited (Nissan Patrol). Capped-price servicing: no data (Mercedes-Benz GLA), 5 years (Nissan Patrol).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz GLA: the lower starting price ($58,900 against $102,100) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,767 a year against $4,104).

The Nissan Patrol: more power (298kW against 120kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (620L against 435L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLA scores higher, 70 vs 60

The Mercedes-Benz GLA scores 70 to the Nissan Patrol's 60 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz GLA ahead by 75 points), practicality (Nissan Patrol ahead by 35 points), performance (Nissan Patrol ahead by 34 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLA costs about $2,337 less (6.2 L/100km against 14.4 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, 620L in the Nissan Patrol.

Common questions