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

$47,990 · Crossover

$49,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable difference lies in fuel economy, where the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid achieves a combined 33 MPG compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's 27 MPG, translating to lower operational costs. Power delivery is polarized: the Kia boasts 261 hp, slightly more than the Mercedes' 255 hp, but the GLC counters with significantly higher torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft. The Kia offers an exclusive 30 miles of electric range and accepts regular unleaded fuel, while the GLC requires premium. Priced competitively at $47,990 versus the Mercedes' $49,250 MSRP, the Sorento PHEV provides substantial energy savings and PHEV benefits for $1,260 less. However, the GLC leads significantly in practicality, offering 21.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV offers 30 miles of all-electric range, making most short commutes entirely gasoline-free.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers 21.9 cu ft of cargo space, substantially exceeding the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft capacity for gear transport.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class provides superior low-end responsiveness due to its higher 295 lb-ft of torque delivered via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sorento PHEV costs $1,260 less and provides a 6 MPG combined efficiency advantage over the Mercedes.

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

Your primary goal is minimizing fuel consumption, leveraging the 30-mile electric range.
You prefer to save $1,260 on the initial purchase price ($47,990 vs $49,250).
You prioritize All-Wheel Drive capability over Rear-Wheel Drive and want to use regular unleaded fuel.

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

Maximum cargo utility is essential, evidenced by its 21.9 cu ft versus the Kia's 12.6 cu ft.
You desire stronger acceleration performance derived from its superior 295 lb-ft torque figure.
You prefer a more traditional, premium 9-speed automatic transmission over the Kia's 6-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Length	189.6"	185.7"
Width	74.8"	74.4"
Height	66.9"	64.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	113.7"

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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	417.6/556.8 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.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic 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	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	5
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.6 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 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.	6 yr./ 62000 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 GLC-Class.

What is the total power difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV slightly leads in peak output with 261 horsepower, compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class's 255 horsepower. However, the Mercedes offsets this with 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft.

How much larger is the cargo area in the GLC-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers a significantly larger dedicated cargo space at 21.9 cubic feet. This is substantially more than the 12.6 cubic feet available in the Kia Sorento PHEV.

Is there an advantage to the Kia's required fuel type?

Yes, the Kia Sorento PHEV specifies regular unleaded fuel, which is generally less expensive than the premium unleaded fuel required by the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, contributing to lower running costs.

Which vehicle offers a better structure for adverse road conditions?

The Kia Sorento PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). In contrast, the standard 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is listed with Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).

How far can each vehicle travel on electric power alone?

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is capable of traveling 30 miles solely on electric charge. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, being a mild hybrid configuration, does not offer a measurable all-electric driving range.

How do the physical footprints of these two vehicles compare?

The Kia Sorento is dimensionally larger overall, measuring 189.6 inches long and 66.9 inches tall. The Mercedes GLC-Class is shorter at 185.7 inches in length and notably lower at 64.6 inches in height.