Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Toyota Prado
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 9 Nov 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Mercedes-Benz GLC
6 of 27 standard · no option data · 21 no dataFrom
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 150kW
- Economy
- 7.5 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 600L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Toyota Prado
14 of 27 standard · no option data · 13 no dataFrom
$72,500
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Diesel
- Engine
- 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
- Power
- 150kW
- Economy
- 7.6 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2024
- Boot (seats up)
- 408L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$89,900RRP
- 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.
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the manufacturer's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Mercedes-Benz GLC test page Toyota Prado test page
Price and cost per week
Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC200 4MATIC
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $393 a week in repayments ($89,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Toyota Prado GX Diesel
$72,500
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 6 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $312 a week in repayments ($72,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Toyota Prado starts $17,400 lower on RRP.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
CarSorted
Looking for your next car?
We help you research it, compare it and ask for a price.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$312/wk(≈$1,353/mo)
Estimate on the Toyota Prado at $72,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Paid from pre-tax salary with the running costs inside the lease. What it comes to depends on your salary and the term.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Mercedes-Benz GLCDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022) and the Toyota Prado at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 85% for the Toyota Prado, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Toyota Prado, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 9 in the Toyota Prado.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 0 of 10 key systems on the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 5 on the Toyota Prado.
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.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 26 more on the model page.
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
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats 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 GLC gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD 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 all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 274mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 408L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 192L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg 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 GLC's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.9 m against 12.0 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 GLC costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota Prado about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $28 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Prado).
Where each one leads
The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 408L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $2,166).
The Toyota Prado: the lower starting price ($72,500 against $89,900) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).
The Verdict
Level: here's what splits them
The Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) and Toyota Prado (77) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: value (Toyota Prado ahead by 12 points), reliability (Toyota Prado ahead by 9 points), practicality (Toyota Prado ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $28 less (7.5 L/100km against 7.6 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, 408L in the Toyota Prado.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$312/wk(≈$1,353/mo)
Estimate on the Toyota Prado at $72,500 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Paid from pre-tax salary with the running costs inside the lease. What it comes to depends on your salary and the term.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Mercedes-Benz GLCDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado is the cheapest at $72,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $17,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and Toyota Prado holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the largest boot at 600L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Track the Mercedes-Benz GLC & Toyota Prado
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
