2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$36,390 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class lies in their Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Telluride starting at $36,390, which is $6,610 less than the GLA-Class's starting price of $43,000. Performance metrics also show a clear separation, as the Telluride delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the GLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy represents the second major contrast; the GLA-Class achieves a 29 MPG combined rating, seven miles per gallon better than the Telluride's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, size differences are substantial, with the Telluride offering 196.9 inches in length compared to the GLA-Class's 173.6 inches, resulting in the Telluride providing a superior 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Mercedes' 15.4 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is superior for commuters due to its significantly higher 29 MPG combined rating versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride is the better family choice because its larger 196.9-inch length provides more useable interior and 21 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride is preferred by enthusiasts because it offers 70 more horsepower (291 hp vs 221 hp) and slightly more torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride provides significantly more performance and passenger volume for a $6,610 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You require maximum cargo capacity, as the Telluride offers 21 cubic feet compared to 15.4 cu ft.
You need higher outright power, benefiting from the Telluride's 291 horsepower.
You want to avoid the requirement for premium unleaded fuel, as the Telluride uses regular.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the GLA-Class's 29 MPG combined rating (vs 22 MPG for Car 1).
You prioritize a smaller physical footprint, with the GLA-Class being 23.3 inches shorter in length.
You are willing to pay $6,610 more for the Mercedes-Benz badge and potentially superior transmission refinement (automated manual).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	196.9"	173.6"
Width	78.3"	72.2"
Height	68.9"	63.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	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	✓	✓
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	8-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	13.5 gal.

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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
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	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.9 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P245/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
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.
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 Telluride and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirement between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Telluride runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, which can increase long-term running costs significantly.

How do the overall dimensions affect usability?

The Telluride is substantially larger, measuring 196.9 inches long and 68.9 inches high, creating 21 cubic feet of cargo space. The GLA-Class is considerably more compact at 173.6 inches in length, which translates to only 15.4 cubic feet of cargo room.

Is the 2025 Kia Telluride faster than the GLA-Class?

Based purely on power output, yes; the Telluride produces 291 horsepower, which is 70 horsepower more than the GLA-Class's 221 horsepower, suggesting quicker acceleration metrics.

Which vehicle offers a better economic proposition based on initial cost and efficiency?

The Telluride offers substantially better initial value at a $36,390 MSRP versus $43,000 for the GLA-Class, even when considering the GLA-Class's better 29 MPG rating.

What is the mechanical difference in the transmission systems?

The Kia Telluride utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is equipped with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which often provides quicker shifts but can sometimes feel less smooth at low speeds.

Are both vehicles front-wheel drive standard?

Yes, based on the provided data, both the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class come standard with a front-wheel drive configuration.