Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Toyota RAV4 | |
Engine | 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 382 hp@6000 391 lb-ft@2800 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 269 hp@6200 246 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 104.7 in | 16.4 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 181.1 in | 19.5 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 71.5 in | 4.5 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 66.3 in | 6.1 in |
Curb Weight | 5545 lb. | 3680 lb. | 1865 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 10.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 40.8 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 57.1 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.8 in | -53.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.8 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 39.7 in | 0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 55.3 in | 3.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.4 in | -52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 38.3 in | 1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.2 in | 37.2 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.5 in | 52.6 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 43.3 in | -43.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.2 in | 30.0 in | 4.2 in |
Total Legroom | 114 in (over 3 rows) | 110.1 in (over 3 rows) | 3.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 12.3 ft3 | 2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 37.2 ft3 | 6.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 73.0 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 |
2012 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is just a little longer than the Audi Q7 (201.6 vs. 200.3 inches), and isn't as wide (76.4 vs. 78.1 inches). But the Mercedes is considerably taller (72.8 vs. 68.4 inches) and not nearly as curvy. Which might explain how it is far roomier than the much sleeker Audi. Combined legroom for all three rows is 107.6 inches in the Q7 vs. 113.8 inches in the GL-Class, a large difference. The Q7's space deficit grows the farther back you sit. For adults to even fit in the Audi's third row without extreme discomfort, those in the second row must slide their seats forward to the point that they are themselves short on knee room. While the new GL350's third row sits too low to provide thigh support, it's not nearly as cramped. Further evidence that Audi didn't intend the Q7's third row for frequent use: the second-row seat doesn't do a good job of getting out of the way, making the path in and out of the way-back perhaps the tightest I've experienced. The second-row seat in the GL-Class tips forward to open up a much wider path. If manually tipping the seat is too much of a chore (perhaps because you'e a five-year-old and haven't yet learned to read this), $400 buys a power assist. But even with this option the seat must be manually returned to its upright position, so the point eludes me. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL.
2009 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Easy access for us older folk and plenty of room once we get there. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
lots of leg room. very comfortable for 2 people see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2009 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
no lumbar support see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic FWD |
Harder seats than in the Murano, and now in a good way. The Murano has power lumbar support, letting you melt in the seat as much as you wish. Better lateral support in the Murano as well. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Seat is power but doesnt go back far enough for me 6ft.bottom seat coushion litte short. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 269-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed automatic AWD |
Tight fit for tall people in front - length and width. No worse than Forester, but not any better. 2nd row is _very_ spacious, and slides forward/backward. see full Toyota RAV4 review |