2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,490 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class immediately captivates with its badge prestige and polished, compact footprint, leveraging 221 hp in a nimble package, while the 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid attacks efficiency with potent hardware. The Kia boasts superior muscle, delivering 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque—a substantial 47 hp advantage over the Mercedes—and achieves an outstanding combined 36 MPG. Conversely, the GLA-Class requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 29 MPG combined rating, whereas the Kia runs on regular unleaded. Practicality swings heavily toward the Kia, offering a massive 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft. Though the Mercedes starts at $43,000, the Kia undercuts it at $40,490, making the hybrid's 33 miles of electric range a compelling bonus for daily driving.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia Sportage PHEV’s superior 36 combined MPG and 33 miles of electric-only range make it the clear economical champion for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia provides significantly more usable space, boasting 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the GLA-Class's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia offers higher performance metrics with 268 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, surpassing the GLA's 221 hp FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia starts at a lower MSRP of $40,490 while offering significantly better fuel economy and more horsepower.

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

You prioritize the prestige and refined design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle, evidenced by the GLA's shorter length of 173.6 inches.
You routinely drive in conditions where having a lower overall weight (implied by FWD and smaller size) might contribute to a different dynamic feel.

Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel savings is paramount, given the 7 MPG combined efficiency advantage (36 MPG vs. 29 MPG).
You demand higher immediate power output, as the Kia delivers 268 hp compared to the Mercedes' 221 hp.
You require substantial utility, benefiting from the Kia's 34.5 cu ft cargo volume and standard All-Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
Length	173.6"	184.4"
Width	72.2"	73.4"
Height	63.5"	66.9"
Wheelbase	107.4"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	268 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	271 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Locking
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	35/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	388.5/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	87/78 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	83 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	33 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	43
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	6

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	54.8 in.
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Kia
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid.

How does the fuel requirement differ between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 29 MPG combined rating. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV operates happily on regular unleaded fuel while delivering a higher 36 MPG combined, plus the advantage of 33 miles of pure electric driving.

Is the performance gap significant between the two vehicles?

Yes, the Kia offers a measurable performance advantage, generating 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. This provides a 47 hp boost over the GLA-Class, which is rated at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?

The Kia Sportage is overwhelmingly superior in utility, providing 34.5 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers less than half that amount, measuring only 15.4 cu ft.

What is the MSRP difference and how does drive type affect the price?

The Kia undercuts the Mercedes by $2,510, starting at $40,490 compared to the GLA's $43,000 starting price. Furthermore, the Kia includes All-Wheel Drive as standard, while the Mercedes uses Front Wheel Drive for its base configuration.

How does the transmission setup vary between the two competitors?

The GLA-Class utilizes a more modern-sounding 8-speed automated manual transmission designed for efficiency. The Kia Sportage PHEV employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, tailored to manage the hybrid powertrain's operations effectively.

Is the GLA's smaller size a benefit for city driving?

The GLA-Class is indeed physically smaller, measuring 173.6 inches in length and 63.5 inches in height, which can aid maneuverability in tight urban spaces compared to the slightly larger Kia Sportage.