2025 Kia Telluride vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

$36,390 · Crossover

$49,550 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the MSRP, with the Telluride starting at $36,390 compared to the GLC's $49,550, a $13,160 difference. Performance metrics show the Telluride producing a higher 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, contrasting with the GLC's 255 horsepower but superior 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is another critical contrast; the GLC achieves a 27 MPG combined rating, significantly outpacing the Telluride's 22 MPG combined, although the GLC mandates more expensive premium unleaded fuel. While the GLC is physically smaller in length (185.7 inches vs. 196.9 inches for the Telluride), they share virtually identical utility, both offering 21 to 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This comparison pits superior initial cost and raw horsepower against better fuel efficiency and higher torque density in a smaller footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride is favored for families due to its notably longer 196.9-inch frame, suggesting greater potential cabin spaciousness.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher peak output of 291 horsepower, despite the GLC's higher torque figure.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Telluride

The Telluride presents substantially better value with a starting MSRP $13,160 lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Choose the Kia Telluride if...

The initial purchase price is the primary constraint, given the Telluride's $36,390 MSRP.
A driver prioritizes maximum stated horsepower (291 hp) over torque density.
Front-wheel drive configuration is preferred over the GLC's standard rear-wheel drive.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...

Fuel efficiency is critical, as the GLC achieves a 27 MPG combined rating.
The driver is willing to pay for premium unleaded fuel to access the GLC's 295 lb-ft of torque.
A smaller vehicle footprint is desired, indicated by the GLC's 185.7-inch length compared to 196.9 inches for the Telluride.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Telluride	Mercedes-Benz GLC
Length	196.9"	185.7"
Width	78.3"	74.4"
Height	68.9"	64.6"
Wheelbase	114.2"	113.1"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 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	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear 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	24/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	376.0/488.8 mi.	417.6/556.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.4 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic 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	11.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	5
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.9 in.	41.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.6 in.	57.3 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	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-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.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	56.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/60R18	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 GLC.

How significant is the fuel cost difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 GLC offers a 5 MPG advantage with a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Telluride's 22 MPG combined. However, the GLC requires premium unleaded fuel, which increases operating costs per mile, potentially offsetting some of the efficiency gains over long distances.

Which vehicle provides more usable interior space?

Cargo capacity is nearly identical, with the Telluride offering 21.0 cu ft and the GLC offering 21.9 cu ft, though the Telluride is substantially longer overall at 196.9 inches versus 185.7 inches for the GLC.

Does the higher torque of the GLC compensate for its lower horsepower?

The GLC produces 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Telluride's 262 lb-ft, suggesting better low-end pulling capability. Conversely, the Telluride leads in peak power with 291 hp versus the GLC's 255 hp, which may translate to better high-speed performance.

What is the financial impact of the price difference between the two models?

The 2025 Kia Telluride carries a $13,160 lower starting MSRP ($36,390 vs $49,550), making it the significantly more accessible option upfront.

Are the drivetrains fundamentally different?

Yes, the Telluride comes standard with front-wheel drive paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GLC features standard rear-wheel drive and utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is the smaller size of the GLC reflected in its utility?

Despite the GLC being about 11 inches shorter than the Telluride, both vehicles report nearly identical cargo volumes of 21.0 cu ft (Telluride) and 21.9 cu ft (GLC).