2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$36,390 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical power of the 2025 Kia Telluride and the refined efficiency of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize space and raw capability or premium badges and fuel economy? The Telluride kicks things off with a lower MSRP of $36,390 compared to the GLA's $41,500, representing a $5,110 initial saving. Power-wise, the Kia dominates, offering 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque against the Mercedes’ 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, the efficiency gap is significant; the GLA achieves a combined 29 MPG utilizing premium fuel, significantly outpacing the Telluride's 22 MPG (regular unleaded). Furthermore, the Kia is considerably larger at 196.9 inches long, translating to 21 cubic feet of cargo space versus the GLA's tighter 15.4 cubic feet, making size and power the Kia's main advantages over the smaller, thriftier German crossover.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency, requiring fewer stops at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is the clear family winner thanks to its larger physical footprint, specifically its 196.9-inch length and greater 21 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

Enthusiasts seeking on-paper performance will prefer the Telluride's substantial 291 hp output over the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride offers significantly more space and horsepower for an initial price that undercuts the Mercedes by $5,110.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

You need maximum utility, benefiting from the generous 21 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the robust power delivered by its 291 hp engine.
You want to save $5,110 upfront, as the MSRP starts at $36,390.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Fuel savings are paramount, given the GLA's 29 MPG combined rating.
You prioritize a smaller footprint, as the GLA is notably shorter at 173.6 inches.
You require the higher efficiency that comes with using premium unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mercedes-Benz GLA
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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA than the 2025 Kia Telluride?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers substantially better efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Kia Telluride’s 22 MPG combined. This difference means the GLA is significantly cheaper to run daily, even though it requires premium fuel.

If I frequently carry passengers and gear, which crossover has the advantage?

The 2025 Kia Telluride is the definitive choice for space, boasting 21 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA offers only 15.4 cubic feet, which is much tighter for family hauling.

Is the 2025 Kia Telluride significantly more powerful than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?

Yes, the Kia holds a decisive power advantage, producing 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The GLA only generates 221 hp, meaning the Telluride will feel much quicker when merging or climbing hills.

What is the main financial difference when purchasing these two vehicles?

The starting MSRP difference is quite large, with the Telluride listed at $36,390 versus the GLA at $41,500, creating an immediate $5,110 price gap in favor of the Kia.

Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?

No, they have different requirements: the Kia Telluride runs happily on regular unleaded fuel, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA mandates the use of premium unleaded gasoline.

How much does the size difference affect parking or maneuvering in tight city spots?

The GLA is much smaller and easier to manage, measuring 173.6 inches long and 72.2 inches wide. The Telluride is a significantly larger vehicle at 196.9 inches long, requiring more space for parking.