2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid bursts onto the scene with a commanding 261 hp, immediately setting itself apart from the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 221 hp output, offering genuine vigor for less money. The Kia blends electrifying efficiency with practicality, boasting an impressive 34 miles of electric range and achieving 35 MPG combined, making it an economical champion. Conversely, the GLA-Class delivers that signature Mercedes-Benz prestige, relying on its premium required fuel for performance through its 8-speed automated manual transmission. While the Kia maximizes utility with a robust 34.5 cu ft of cargo space, the slightly smaller Mercedes-Benz, priced higher at $43,000 compared to the Kia's $39,890, feels more intimate and perhaps more premium. This comparison pits outright power and PHEV savings against badge prestige and dynamic styling.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid's 34 miles of electric range and superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy make daily driving far cheaper than the GLA-Class.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
With significantly more utility, the Kia offers 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft, handling family gear much better.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage delivers 40 more horsepower, achieving 261 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, leading to a more potent driving experience.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia is $3,110 less expensive while offering superior power, better fuel economy, and vastly greater cargo volume.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel savings by utilizing the 34 miles of electric range daily.
- You need substantial utility, benefiting from the 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You desire the highest possible performance metrics, highlighted by 261 hp.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...
- The prestige and design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand are paramount.
- You prefer a smaller footprint (173.6 inches long) and an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You plan on frequently using high-speed highway cruising where its 34 MPG is competitive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.2" |
| Height | 66.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 107.4" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 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 automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Locking | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 36/35 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/388.5 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 88/79 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 84 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 34 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 40 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 2.0 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.1 gal. | 13.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 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 Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| 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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How significant is the MPG difference between the two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a substantial advantage, achieving 35 MPG combined versus the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class's 29 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Kia provides 34 miles of pure electric driving before the gas engine engages.
Does the Kia Sportage PHEV require premium fuel like the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
No, the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the GLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded, adding to its running costs.
Which vehicle offers a better powertrain for outright speed?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is clearly faster on paper, producing 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the GLA-Class's 221 hp output.
How much more spacious is the Kia compared to the Mercedes-Benz?
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers nearly double the practical storage space, boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft.
What is the difference in size between these two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage is longer at 183.5 inches and taller at 66.9 inches, giving it a more substantial road presence than the smaller, 173.6-inch long Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
How does the MSRP compare for these two models?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid starts at $39,890, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which begins at $43,000, representing a $3,110 price gap.
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