A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4x4Diesel10-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 735,000ex-showroom
⚡ 125 kW🔧 405 Nm⛽ 13.5 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Ford Ranger XL: the short answer
GLS and Ranger XL are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Ranger XL starts ZAR 1,750,681 cheaperGLS from ZAR 2,350,181 · Ranger XL from ZAR 599,500
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLS
Ranger XL
Maximum Power
GLS270 kW
Ranger XL125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLS750 Nm
Ranger XL405 Nm
Engine Size
GLS2989 cc
Ranger XL1996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLS12.3 km/l
Ranger XL13.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLS215 mm
Ranger XL237 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
GLS 450 d
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
GLS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Ranger XL
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
GLS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Ranger XL
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Model Introduced Year
2026
2022
Generation
Current South African GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 450 d
Current-generation Ford Ranger
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Suv
Pickup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium SUV
Pickup
Vehicle Type
SUV
Pickup
Body Type Cab
-
Single/extended/double cab as per derivative name
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4x4
Tare Mass Kg
-
2113 kg
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Length
5209 mm
5350 mm
Width
1956 mm
1918 mm
Height
1823 mm
1886 mm
Wheelbase
3135 mm
3270 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
215 mm
237 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
185 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
355 l
480 l
Kerb Weight
2550 kg
2113 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
3230 kg
Payload Capacity
750 kg
1117 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.25 m
12.9 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1024 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
989 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1057 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
879 mm
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Engine
2989/L6
2-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
OM656M
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2989 cc
1996 cc
Cylinders
6
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
10.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
94.3 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
270 kW
125 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
750 Nm
405 Nm
Combined Power
270 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
750 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD
4WD
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
250 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.1 sec
7.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
5000 rpm
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
59.2 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
191.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Applicable
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Gearbox
9G-TRONIC automatic
10-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
AWD
4WD
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Permanent AWD transfer system
Two-speed electronic transfer case
Differential Lock
No
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
9
10
Transmission Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
AWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
Yes
Electronic shift-on-the-fly
4WD Hi Range
0
Yes
4WD Lo Range
0
Yes
4WD Selector
Yes
Electronic 4WD selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
9G-TRONIC automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
2.7
Low Range
0
Yes
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Front and rear driven axles
Rear Differential Lock
No
Yes
Transmission Speeds
9
10
Drive Mode Selector
-
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Claimed Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.5 km/l
City Mileage
12.3 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
12.3 km/l
15.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
80 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
23 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
12.3 km/l
13.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
80
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Airbags
7
Dual front, front side, curtain and driver knee
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
BA
Yes
Not Available
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Standard
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Driver knee
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
-
Perimeter alarm
Central Locking
-
Power door dead locks
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Perimeter alarm
Height Adjustable Seatbelts
-
Standard
Tracking System
-
Vehicle locator via app
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
EV Mode
-
Not Available
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Seat Material
Nappa leather
Fabric upholstery
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
No
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
No
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustment
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Fabric upholstery
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Shoulder Room
-
1450 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1440 mm
Cup Holders
-
Standard
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Interior Colour Options
-
3
Door Map Pockets
-
Underseat stowage
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Ranger XL grade before assuming a feature is included.
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Mid
Price Zar
2350181 ZAR
735000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current listed price
Starting Price
2500000
735000
Starting Price Zar
2500000
735000
Spec
GLS
Ranger XL
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 years / unlimited km
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
4 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
4 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLS and Ranger XL comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: GLS 98 vs Ranger XL 70.
Efficiency index: GLS 52 vs Ranger XL 57.
Safety-equipment index: GLS 99 vs Ranger XL 91.
Practicality index: GLS 67 vs Ranger XL 86.
Ownership-cover index: GLS not separately scored vs Ranger XL 76.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
GLS and Ranger XL image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLS leads by 4 points
GLS and Ranger XL are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLS
Performance
98/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
Ranger XL
Performance
70/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
86/100
Ownership
76/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLS
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 77 pts for Ranger XL
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLS leads. However, Ranger XL may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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