2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (car1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA (car2) lies in fuel economy, where the Kia delivers a 6 MPG combined advantage (35 MPG vs. 29 MPG). Performance is another key metric; the Kia boasts 261 horsepower compared to the GLA's 221 horsepower, a 40 hp lead, though both share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque. Priced at $39,890, the Kia undercuts the Mercedes’ $41,500 MSRP, creating a substantial value proposition. Further specification differences include the Kia's 34 miles of all-electric range, absent in the GLA, and significantly larger cargo volume, offering 34.5 cu ft against the Mercedes’ 15.4 cu ft. While the GLA utilizes a more modern 8-speed automated manual, the Kia comes standard with AWD, whereas the GLA uses FWD, influencing traction capabilities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Sportage PHEV provides 34 miles of electric range and a superior 35 MPG combined, drastically reducing daily fuel expenditures.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia offers more than double the cargo capacity at 34.5 cu ft compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, accommodating more gear.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia delivers 261 horsepower versus the GLA's 221 hp and includes standard all-wheel drive for enhanced driving dynamics.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia starts at a lower MSRP of $39,890 and offers superior fuel economy and electric capability for the price.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 35 combined MPG.
- You require substantial cargo volume, benefiting from 34.5 cu ft of space.
- You desire zero-emission commuting capability with a 34-mile electric range.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- You prefer a premium badge experience despite the $1,610 higher MSRP.
- You prioritize a smoother shifting experience provided by the 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You prefer the smaller exterior footprint, measuring 173.6 inches in length versus the Kia's 183.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | 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 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
What is the real-world fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage PHEV achieves 35 MPG combined, which is significantly better than the Mercedes-Benz GLA's 29 MPG combined rating. Furthermore, the Kia offers an additional 34 miles of zero-emission travel before using gasoline.
How does the required fuel type impact the long-term cost of ownership?
The Kia Sportage PHEV runs on regular unleaded, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA requires premium unleaded fuel. This difference in fuel octane requirement will lead to higher per-fill costs for the GLA, especially given the Kia's higher base MPG.
Which vehicle offers superior performance figures based on specifications?
The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV is the more powerful vehicle, producing 261 horsepower compared to the 2026 GLA's 221 horsepower. However, both vehicles are rated for the same 258 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a significant difference in physical size and usability?
Yes, the Kia is physically larger overall, especially in length (183.5 inches vs. 173.6 inches), which translates directly into its massive advantage in cargo capacity, offering 34.5 cu ft versus the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
What is the drivetrain difference between the two models?
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) and uses an 8-speed automated manual.
How much more affordable is the Kia compared to the Mercedes-Benz?
The Kia Sportage PHEV starts at an MSRP of $39,890, making it $1,610 less expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is listed at $41,500.
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