2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$47,990 · Crossover

$45,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV bursts onto the scene blending electrifying efficiency with respectable power, thrilling drivers with 261 horsepower and a 30-mile pure electric range. Meanwhile, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers German precision in a slightly more compact footprint, demanding premium fuel but providing undeniable badge prestige. The Sorento PHEV excels in fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG combined versus the GLB's 28 MPG combined, and requires only regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, the Kia offers a substantial 40 horsepower advantage over the Mercedes' 221 hp output, making it quicker off the line despite the GLB’s smaller 182.4-inch length compared to the Sorento’s 189.6 inches. While the Mercedes counters with nearly double the standard cargo capacity at 22 cu ft to the Kia's 12.6 cu ft, the Sorento’s superior efficiency and power credentials make a compelling case for the modern crossover buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range, allowing many daily trips to be completed without using gasoline.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class wins for families needing versatile space, offering 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Enthusiasts will favor the Kia for its commanding 261 hp, significantly outpacing the GLB's 221 hp offering.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV offers better long-term value by delivering superior power and significantly better fuel economy (33 MPG combined) while using cheaper regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize performance and want the segment leader with 261 horsepower.
You want to maximize fuel savings by utilizing the 30-mile electric range.
You prefer running on regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel required by Car 2.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...

You desire a more compact vehicle, measuring only 182.4 inches in length.
You need maximum traditional cargo volume, as the GLB offers 22 cu ft.
You prefer the driving dynamics provided by an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Length	189.6"	182.4"
Width	74.8"	72.2"
Height	66.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

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	261 hp	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 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 shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	77/71 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	74 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	30 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	45	—
Charging Time (240V)	3.4 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 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	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
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 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.

How much more powerful is the Kia Sorento PHEV compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class?

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV boasts 261 horsepower, giving it a significant 40 horsepower advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which produces 221 horsepower.

What is the real-world difference in fuel consumption between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sorento PHEV achieves a 33 MPG combined rating, which is 5 MPG better than the GLB-Class's combined rating of 28 MPG, offering lower running costs.

Does the Mercedes GLB-Class offer more usable space inside?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the superior cargo hauler, offering 22 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row, substantially more than the Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cu ft.

Are there differences in the required fuel types for these vehicles?

The Kia Sorento PHEV can run on regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine.

How do their electric capabilities compare?

The Kia Sorento PHEV is a true Plug-In Hybrid, offering a dedicated 30-mile electric range before the gas engine kicks in; the GLB-Class does not offer a plug-in electric option based on these specifications.

Which vehicle is physically smaller overall?

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the more petite vehicle, measuring 182.4 inches in length and 72.2 inches in width, making it noticeably shorter than the 189.6-inch Kia Sorento.