Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Toyota RAV4
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 GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $43,910.
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 $98,890 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Toyota RAV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 93% for the Toyota RAV4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 8 in the Toyota RAV4.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 143kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 0.2s 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, 116mm longer than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,052/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 5 years (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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