2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Niro PHEV (car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (car2) is the $11,310 MSRP gap, starting at $34,490 versus $45,800. This cost difference is underscored by efficiency metrics: the Niro achieves a combined 48 MPG, dramatically exceeding the GLB's 28 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Niro offers a substantial 33 miles of all-electric range before relying on its hybrid system. Performance specifications also show variation, with the GLB producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Niro's 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. The GLB is physically larger, measuring 182.4 inches in length versus the Niro's 174.0 inches, yet the Niro still delivers 19.4 cu ft of cargo space, closely rivaling the GLB's 22 cu ft. These quantifiable metrics position the Niro as the efficiency and cost leader, while the GLB prioritizes brute power and standard luxury presentation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 48 combined MPG and 33 miles of dedicated electric range.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is better suited for families due to its larger physical footprint, indicated by its 182.4-inch length and standard higher ride height.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque over the Niro's 180 hp.
2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid provides significantly better value, starting $11,310 lower while offering 20 MPG greater fuel efficiency.
Choose the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Your priority is minimizing fuel expenses, leveraging the 48 combined MPG rating.
- You require at least 33 miles of pure electric driving capability on a daily basis.
- You seek the lowest entry price point in this comparison, starting at $34,490.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- You require the higher performance metrics of 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the greater space offered by the GLB's 182.4-inch length and 66.7-inch height.
- You are prepared to pay the higher MSRP of $45,800 and use premium unleaded fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.0" | 182.4" |
| Width | 71.8" | 72.2" |
| Height | 60.8" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 49/47 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 48 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 480.2/460.6 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 113/102 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 108 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 33 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 31 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.8 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.8 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | P205/60R H | 235/55R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Niro compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLB?
The 2025 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 48 MPG versus the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's 28 combined MPG. This represents a 20 MPG advantage for the Niro in hybrid operation.
Does the Kia Niro's electric range impact its overall driving costs?
Yes, the Niro offers a 33-mile electric range, which covers the daily commute for many drivers, potentially eliminating gasoline use on those days. The GLB offers no comparable zero-emission driving capability.
Which vehicle offers better horsepower and torque figures?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class outperforms the Niro in power output, delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Niro is rated at 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Is the price difference reflected in cargo capacity?
The price gap is $11,310, but the cargo capacities are relatively close; the GLB offers 22 cu ft while the Niro provides 19.4 cu ft, a difference of only 2.6 cubic feet.
What are the required fuel types for these two crossovers?
The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid uses regular unleaded gasoline when operating in hybrid mode. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.
How do the physical dimensions compare between the two models?
The GLB-Class is the physically larger vehicle, being 182.4 inches long and 66.7 inches tall. The Niro is more compact at 174.0 inches long and 60.8 inches high, making it slightly easier to maneuver in tight urban settings.
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