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

$39,890 · Crossover

$45,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (Car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (Car2) is the $5,910 MSRP gap, with the Kia starting at $39,890 compared to the Mercedes’ $45,800. Fuel economy also separates the two significantly; Car1 achieves 35 combined MPG and offers an EPA-estimated 34 miles of electric range, while Car2 delivers only 28 combined MPG without any electric assistance. Furthermore, the Kia boasts 261 hp compared to the GLB-Class’s 221 hp, giving it a substantial 40 hp advantage, although both offer the same 258 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the Kia is slightly longer at 183.5 inches versus 182.4 inches, but the GLB-Class trails significantly in utility, offering only 22 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sportage PHEV's 34.5 cu ft, making the Kia the more practical and efficient option on paper.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers 34 miles of electric-only driving and superior combined fuel economy at 35 MPG, lowering daily running costs significantly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

With 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Sportage PHEV provides 12.5 cu ft more storage space than the GLB-Class’s 22 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

Car1 delivers 261 hp, 40 more than the GLB-Class’s 221 hp, combined with standard AWD capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia undercuts the Mercedes by $5,910 and delivers superior MPG, resulting in a much better immediate and long-term value proposition.

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

Your budget is under $40,000, as the MSRP is $39,890.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given its 35 combined MPG and 34 miles of electric range.
You require greater utility, evidenced by 34.5 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity.

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

You prioritize a premium badge and design aesthetics over immediate savings.
You require a vehicle with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Front-wheel drive configuration is preferred over the Kia's standard all-wheel drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Length	183.5"	182.4"
Width	73.4"	72.2"
Height	66.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	397.5/524.7 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.	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
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.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.1 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	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.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.9 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 GLB-Class.

How does the required fuel type impact the long-term ownership cost of these crossovers?

The Kia Sportage PHEV runs on regular unleaded and gets 35 combined MPG. The Mercedes GLB-Class mandates premium unleaded and only achieves 28 combined MPG, meaning the Kia will consistently incur lower fuel expenses over its lifespan.

Is the difference in horsepower significant enough to notice during driving?

Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV produces 261 hp, which is 40 more horsepower than the GLB-Class’s 221 hp output, suggesting better acceleration despite the Kia utilizing a 6-speed automatic versus the Mercedes' 8-speed automated manual.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling large cargo loads?

The Kia Sportage PHEV offers 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Mercedes GLB-Class's 22 cubic feet, making the Kia the superior choice for utility.

Does the electric range of the Kia eliminate the need for gas station stops for daily commutes?

With an EPA-estimated 34 miles of electric range, commuters with shorter daily drives (under 30 miles round trip) could potentially complete all necessary trips without consuming any gasoline, a capability the GLB-Class entirely lacks.

What is the direct price difference between these two crossovers?

There is a $5,910 difference in starting MSRP; the Kia Sportage PHEV is priced at $39,890, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class begins at $45,800.

How do the physical dimensions compare between the two crossovers?

The vehicles are dimensionally similar, with the Kia being slightly longer at 183.5 inches compared to the GLB-Class's 182.4 inches, while the Kia is also slightly wider at 73.4 inches.