VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
96 kW
Torque
320 Nm
285 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
18.0 s
Engine
1950 cc
4164 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers 110 kW while the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the GLA returns 5.1 l/100km while the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R982 080 for the GLA and R988 800 for the Land Cruiser 78. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
110 kW
96 kW
Torque
320 Nm
285 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
18.0 s
Top Speed
208 Km/h
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1950 cc
4164 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.1 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
90 + 90 (total 180) l
CO2 Emissions
132 g/km
313 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4412 mm
5130 mm
Width
1834-2020 mm
1795 mm
Height
1616 mm
2115 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2980 mm
Ground Clearance
143 mm
235 mm
Kerb Weight
1620 Kg
2160 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
520 l
1040 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
—
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7 (opt 9)
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
Optional
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
—
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
18 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator max 20000
5000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLA
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLA
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
GLA
Practicality
Land Cruiser 78
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLA
More powerful engine (110 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R982 080)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.8 ss)
No factory service plan
Toyota Land Cruiser 78
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 110 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLA or Land Cruiser 78?
The GLA uses 5.1 l/100km and the Land Cruiser 78 uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLA or Land Cruiser 78?
The GLA produces 110 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Land Cruiser 78 delivers 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque. The GLA is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLA and Land Cruiser 78?
The GLA starts from R982 080 and the Land Cruiser 78 from R988 800. The GLA is cheaper by R6 720 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLA or Land Cruiser 78?
The GLA has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Land Cruiser 78 can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLA or the Land Cruiser 78?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.