2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the fuel-saving technology of the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and the badge appeal of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is a classic trade-off. The Kia Sportage PHEV starts at a compelling $39,890, significantly undercutting the GLB's $43,800 sticker price, saving you $3,910 upfront. For commuters who prioritize low running costs, the Kia offers a substantial advantage with 34 miles of all-electric range and a combined 35 MPG versus the Mercedes' 28 MPG combined rating, requiring premium fuel. Although the Kia has 261 hp compared to the Mercedes' 221 hp, the GLB might feel sportier due to its 8-speed automated manual transmission, despite the Kia's better overall efficiency metrics across the board. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether upfront luxury status outweighs PHEV savings and outright power figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sportage PHEV offers a superior electric range of 34 miles and better combined fuel economy at 35 MPG.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia provides significantly more cargo space at 34.5 cubic feet compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLB's 22 cubic feet.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia boasts higher power output with 261 hp, outperforming the GLB's 221 hp.
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia saves buyers $3,910 on the MSRP and uses less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You want to maximize fuel savings by driving electric for your daily 34-mile commute.
- You need maximum cargo utility, as the Kia offers 34.5 cubic feet versus 22 cubic feet in the GLB.
- You prefer a lower initial cost, starting at $39,890, and use regular unleaded gasoline.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- You strongly desire the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- You prefer the specific feel of a front-wheel-drive configuration and an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- Your driving profile involves less overall mileage where the 7 MPG difference (28 combined vs. 35 combined) is less impactful.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | 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 GLB.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB compared to the Kia Sportage PHEV?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB has an MSRP of $43,800, which is $3,910 more expensive than the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV starting price of $39,890.
Which vehicle is better for long highway drives based on fuel economy?
The Kia Sportage PHEV is more efficient overall, reporting 35 MPG combined, whereas the GLB achieves 28 MPG combined; however, the Kia also requires less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
Does the Kia Sportage PHEV offer true electric-only driving capability?
Yes, the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is capable of traveling up to 34 miles solely on electric power before engaging the hybrid system.
Which crossover has more space for luggage?
The Kia Sportage is substantially more practical for cargo, offering 34.5 cubic feet of space, significantly beating the Mercedes-Benz GLB's 22 cubic feet.
Is there a significant power difference between these two models?
Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV leads in horsepower with 261 hp, substantially exceeding the 221 hp produced by the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Are there specific fuel requirements that affect running costs?
The Kia Sportage PHEV runs on regular unleaded, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, adding to its operational expense.
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