Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized appearance with its new generation, fitting seamlessly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were distinct, placing it below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's wheelbase and exterior dimensions positioned it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. The new GLA was three inches taller and slightly shorter in length than its predecessor, featuring short overhangs and cladding that contributed to its muscular look. Despite its small windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. Standard LED headlights and optional adaptive LED headlights were available. Inside, the GLA 250's interior was filled with less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior did not measure up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered a distinct design with its Rugged and Sport trims, including the Woodland and GR Sport, the latter exclusive to the PHEV. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint as its predecessor, with certain trims adding buffer bumpers for increased length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence, consistent with Toyota's new SUVs. The Woodland trim emphasized its ruggedness with wide front fascia, solid panels replacing fog lights, and chunky all-terrain tires. The Sport trims featured gloss black accents and the GR Sport showcased racier elements like red brake calipers and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and the interior offered mild differentiation with accents like red stitching on the GR Sport. All trims included a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, with the design more streamlined than before. The RAV4 PHEV's interior was optimized with clever storage features, maintaining passenger space similar to standard RAV4 models.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the way. The GLA 250 and 250 4MATIC were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GLA 250 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 featured an enhanced turbocharged engine with 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The GLA's AWD system offered different torque distribution ratios based on drive modes, and the AMG models included additional drive dynamics modes and performance features. The GLA 250's ride quality was good but interrupted by road noise, and its steering was typical for the class.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV's power increased to 324 hp, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. It offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode, with AWD standard. The RAV4 PHEV's propulsion system delivered a zero to 60 mph time in the low five seconds. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, including EV, Auto, Hybrid, and Charge, with seamless power transitions. The GR Sport trim featured enhanced handling attributes, sitting lower with 20-inch black alloy wheels and summer performance tires. The RAV4 PHEV's weight was typical for the class, and the GR Sport handled more evenly over rough terrain due to suspension enhancements.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's added height provided a more SUV-like seating position, with easy ingress and egress. Front passengers enjoyed fantastic headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offered more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Cargo space was 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing ample storage for a family road trip.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's base SE trim included a power driver's seat, heated front seats, and five USB ports. The interior featured clever storage solutions, such as a dashboard shelf and a center console with flexible storage options. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably, though five was a squeeze. The cargo area provided 33.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior space was similar to standard RAV4 models, with a temporary spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, touchpad controller, four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio system, wireless charging, WiFi hot spot, head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with customizable screens and voice-activated controls. The GLA also featured a car-wash function for convenience.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 12.9-inch touchscreen was available on top trims. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access to settings. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and loading times. The Voice Assistant responded to a range of prompts, and a built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and driver-drowsiness monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced safety technologies, while the Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system. Without the Driver Assistance Package, the GLA's safety features were less comprehensive than some competitors.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, with enhanced camera and radar detection. The suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. All but the base SE had a surround-view camera system. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA.