@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Ford Kuga vs Mercedes GLA – Differences & prices compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Kuga or Mercedes GLA?

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Kuga has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34200 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 4594 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Kuga manages with 2.80 L and is therefore barely noticeable more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.90 L. The difference is about 0.10 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes GLA performs minimal better – achieving up to 74 km, about 6 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA has a decisively edge – offering 421 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 178 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.30 s. That’s about 3 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Ford Kuga tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls clearly stronger with 500 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm difference.

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 curb weight, Ford Kuga is slight lighter – 1526 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 44 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers minimal more room – 435 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 23 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs minimal better – up to 1534 L, which is about 104 L more than the Mercedes GLA.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga minimal takes the win – 550 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLA shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,800
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
  • Electric Range : 74 km

Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

details

Mercedes GLA

5 (1)
rate

The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

details
Ford Kuga
Mercedes GLA
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
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
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
Brand
Ford
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Ford Kuga have?

The Ford Kuga is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.