Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Nissan Patrol
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 GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Patrol opens at $90,600. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $31,700.
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 $64,790 and $99,660 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $11,970 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Patrol gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan Patrol. The Nissan Patrol counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 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 9.1 seconds.
The Nissan Patrol responds with a Petrol making 298kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The Nissan Patrol has the clear power advantage at 298kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, 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 8 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.6m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m 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 $1,710/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $4,104/year for the Nissan Patrol. That is a $2,394 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $4,104 (Nissan Patrol). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $2,394 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Patrol). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Patrol if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Patrol takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $2,394 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Patrol 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 GLA and Nissan Patrol?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Patrol by $31,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Patrol has the largest boot at 620L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Patrol has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Patrol makes the most power at 298kW. The Nissan Patrol is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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
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