2025 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium badge cachet and maximum affordability in a compact three-row segment often boils down to balancing initial investment against long-term running costs. The 2025 Kia Telluride enters this fray offering significantly more raw performance with 291 hp compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class's 221 hp. However, the GLB-Class justifies its $9,410 higher MSRP ($45,800 vs $36,390 for the Telluride) by delivering superior efficiency, boasting a 28 combined MPG versus the Telluride's 22 combined MPG, and requiring premium fuel. While the Telluride is physically larger at 196.9 inches long, the GLB surprisingly offers slightly more maximum cargo capacity at 22 cubic feet versus the Kia’s 21 cu ft. The primary trade-off centers on the $9,410 saving offered by the Kia versus the GLB's better fuel economy, which becomes a critical factor over the life of ownership.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG efficiency, meaning fewer stops at the pump.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride is the better family choice as its longer 196.9-inch frame likely translates to easier ingress/egress and more usable space, despite slightly lower max cargo capacity.
2025 Kia Telluride
Enthusiasts will prefer the Kia Telluride for its substantial power advantage, offering 291 hp against the GLB's 221 hp.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is the definitive value winner, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class by $9,410 on the sticker price.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You absolutely prioritize horsepower and acceleration, benefiting from the Telluride's 291 hp.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, as the Telluride starts $9,410 cheaper.
- You need the absolute largest footprint, evidenced by the Telluride's 196.9-inch overall length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency on daily drives is key, thanks to the GLB's 28 combined MPG.
- You are willing to pay more upfront to use regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the Telluride's mandatory premium fuel requirement.
- You value marginally more consolidated storage, as the GLB offers 22 cu ft versus the Telluride's 21 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.9" | 182.4" |
| Width | 78.3" | 72.2" |
| Height | 68.9" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 376.0/488.8 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 15.9 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. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.1 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.2 in. | 54.9 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 GLB-Class.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class than the Kia Telluride?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class commands a significant $9,410 premium over the Kia Telluride, starting at $45,800 compared to the Telluride's $36,390 MSRP.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is the more economical choice, delivering 28 combined MPG (25 city/33 highway) versus the Kia Telluride's 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).
Do these vehicles require the same type of gasoline?
No, they do not; the Kia Telluride runs on regular unleaded, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel.
Is the Kia Telluride significantly more powerful than the GLB?
Yes, the Kia Telluride offers a substantial power advantage, putting out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the GLB's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Despite being smaller, does the GLB offer more cargo room?
Surprisingly, yes; the slightly more compact Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity, beating the longer Kia Telluride's 21 cubic feet.
Which vehicle uses a more traditional automatic transmission?
The Kia Telluride uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
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