2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Telluride leaps into the fray with brute force, boasting a potent 291 hp V6 engine, immediately setting it apart from the sophisticated yet less powerful 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB's 221 hp output. The Telluride offers substantial presence at 196.9 inches long, appealing to drivers craving American muscle and space. Conversely, the GLB charms with Germanic efficiency; while it commands a higher MSRP of $43,800 compared to the Telluride's $36,390, it sips fuel better, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Kia's 22 combined MPG. Enthusiasts looking for straight-line speed will favor the Telluride's 70 hp advantage and higher torque, but for daily driving economics, the GLB's superior fuel economy and smaller footprint (72.2 inches wide) make it nimbler in tight urban confines, despite needing premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 28 combined MPG versus the Telluride's 22.
2025 Kia Telluride
The 2025 Kia Telluride offers a more robust platform for families needing substantial space, being 196.9 inches long.
2025 Kia Telluride
Enthusiasts will prefer the Kia Telluride for its significantly higher output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride provides substantially more power and size for $7,410 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Choose the Kia Telluride if...
- You prioritize maximum power, needing the 291 hp generated by the V6 engine.
- You are looking for the best overall price point, with an MSRP starting at $36,390.
- You need the larger footprint, as the Telluride is longer at 196.9 inches for maximum interior flexibility.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLB achieves 33 highway MPG compared to the Telluride's 26.
- You prefer a smaller, more agile vehicle measuring only 72.2 inches in width for easier city parking.
- You value efficiency above raw power and are willing to use premium unleaded fuel for a combined 28 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Telluride | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Telluride and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
How does the price difference affect the overall cost of ownership?
The 2025 Kia Telluride has a significant initial advantage, costing $7,410 less than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB. However, the GLB's 6 MPG better efficiency might claw back some of that difference over many miles, although the Telluride uses cheaper regular unleaded fuel.
Which crossover is better suited for highway cruising speed and passing?
The 2025 Kia Telluride is better equipped for spirited highway maneuvers thanks to its substantial 70 hp advantage, delivering 291 hp versus the GLB's 221 hp.
Does the smaller size of the GLB translate to better utility?
Despite being significantly shorter, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB actually offers slightly more dedicated storage space, boasting 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Telluride's 21 cu ft.
Are the transmissions functionally different in performance?
Yes, the Telluride utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes deliver quicker shifts but may feel different during smooth, low-speed operation.
If I drive frequently in congested areas, which vehicle is preferable?
The narrower 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB, measuring 72.2 inches wide compared to the Telluride's 78.3 inches, will be noticeably easier to manage when navigating narrow lanes or crowded parking structures.
Does the fuel requirement heavily influence the commuter verdict?
For many daily commuters, the Telluride’s use of regular unleaded is an advantage, but the GLB's superior 28 combined MPG usually outweighs the cost difference associated with needing premium fuel.
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