Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Toyota RAV4
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz GLE450 | Toyota RAV4 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 362 | 302 | +19.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 500 | 221 | +126.2% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 8.9 | 40.0 | -77.8% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (NHTSA) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Plug-in Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic | eCVT | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $61,700 | $48,200 | +28.0% |
- Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 20% more power (362 vs 302 hp).
- Toyota RAV4 is the more economical, at 40.0 km/L against 8.9.
Verdict: GLE450 or RAV4?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 advantages
- Engine power (+17%)
- Pulling torque (+56%)
Toyota RAV4 advantages
- Fuel economy (+78%)
- Affordability (+22%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Toyota RAV4 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Toyota RAV4: which should you choose?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 (2020 4MATIC) — petrol suv with 362 hp and 500 Nm, rated at 8.9 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $61,700 in the US market.
Toyota RAV4 (2026 Prime XSE) — plug-in hybrid suv with 302 hp and 221 Nm, rated at 40 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $48,200 in the US market.
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 vs Toyota RAV4: Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 20% more power (362 vs 302 hp). Toyota RAV4 is the more economical, at 40.0 km/L against 8.9.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is the more powerful, at 362 hp against 302 hp, with 500 Nm of torque on tap. Its petrol drivetrain pairs with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Toyota RAV4 is more economical at 40.0 km/L against 8.9 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and Toyota RAV4 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Toyota RAV4 lists lower at about $48,200 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 better than the Toyota RAV4?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 20% more power (362 vs 302 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and the Toyota RAV4?
Mercedes-Benz GLE450 makes about 20% more power (362 vs 302 hp). Toyota RAV4 is the more economical, at 40.0 km/L against 8.9.
Which is better value?
Toyota RAV4 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Toyota RAV4 if you drive a lot and fuel costs matter.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.