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Ford Kuga vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Mercedes GLA?

Ford Kuga vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • very slightly more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • marginally more electric range
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Kuga

Battle of the SUVs: Ford Kuga vs. Mercedes GLA

The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and two titans are battling it out for supremacy: the Ford Kuga and the Mercedes GLA. Both vehicles are packed with features and technology, designed to appeal to a broad audience. But which one offers the best combination of performance, efficiency, and practicality? Let's explore their specs and innovations to help you decide.

GLA

Design and Dimensions

The Ford Kuga presents itself with a modern, sleek look. While its dimensions stand at a length of up to 4645 mm, a width of 1882 mm, and a height of up to 1681 mm, it boasts a robust presence on the road. The Kuga's design is focused on providing a blend of strength and style.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLA, with its premium compact SUV design, embodies luxury with a slightly more refined touch. It features dimensions of up to 4443 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1616 mm in height, making it slightly smaller compared to the Kuga, but still maintaining a solid road presence with its luxury design cues.

Kuga

Power and Performance

On the performance front, the Ford Kuga comes with a range of engine options including petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. With power ranging from 150 HP to 243 HP, it can dash from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 7.3 seconds, depending on the engine choice. The Kuga offers both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, adding versatility for different driving needs.

In contrast, the Mercedes GLA offers a broader range of engine options, including petrol MHEV, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and more potent petrol engines up to an impressive 421 HP. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h starts at a rapid 4.3 seconds for the sportiest variant, highlighting its performance advantage. The GLA features a dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery, alongside front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options.

GLA

Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for both SUVs. The Ford Kuga's plug-in hybrid variant shines with a consumption rate as low as 0.9 L/100 km, offering an electric range of up to 69 km, ideal for eco-conscious city driving. Additionally, its CO2 emissions can be as low as 20 g/km.

The Mercedes GLA also provides excellent efficiency with its plug-in hybrid version, achieving a consumption rate of just 1 L/100 km and an electric-only range of up to 74 km. Its CO2 emissions are similarly low at 23 g/km, making it a stellar option for reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying luxury.

Kuga

Interior and Cargo Space

Inside, the Ford Kuga offers a spacious cabin with seating for five, and a trunk capacity of 412 liters, making it suitable for families and outdoor adventures.

The Mercedes GLA doesn't lag behind, offering a similar seating arrangement for five and a slightly larger trunk capacity of up to 435 liters, ensuring ample space for luggage or gear.

GLA

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal SUV

The choice between the Ford Kuga and Mercedes GLA depends on what you value most in a vehicle. The Kuga provides solid performance with the appeal of diverse powertrains, while the GLA emphasizes luxury, advanced technology, and higher performance potential. Both vehicles are remarkable in their own right, providing compelling choices for SUV enthusiasts.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Kuga

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Ford Kuga is a bit cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,594 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLA offers marginally more range – reaching up to 74 km, about 6 km more than the Ford Kuga.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 178 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.

Kuga

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Ford Kuga is very slightly lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 44 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Kuga carries very slightly more – 550 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 74 km
Ford Kuga
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a practical and comfortable compact SUV that balances everyday usability with a composed ride and adaptable interior. It offers sensible tech and safety features, making it a solid choice for families or anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-live-with crossover.

details

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.

details
Ford Kuga
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Ford
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.