VS

Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mercedes GLA?

Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • barely lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • 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

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

Niro

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Kia Niro is markedly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,702 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Kia Niro with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

GLA

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 offers clearly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 283 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 Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 6.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers considerably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 235 Nm more.

Niro

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is barely lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 96 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers marginally more boot space – 451 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 16 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries only slightly more – 500 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 34 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is clearly superior 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
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
Kia EV3
Kia Niro
VS
The Kia EV3 arrives like a tech-savvy upstart — all-electric, sharp to drive and crammed with the latest infotainment and safety kit, ideal if you want a compact crossover that feels like the future. The Niro, meanwhile, stays the sensible all‑rounder: proven, roomy and available as a hybrid, …
Kia Niro
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro is a practical crossover that blends economy and everyday versatility without sacrificing comfort. With a roomy, well-laid-out cabin and calm, composed handling, it’s an easy-to-live-with choice for commuters and families.

details
Kia_Niro_HEV_08
Kia_Niro_HEV_24
Kia_Niro_HEV_22
Kia_Niro_HEV_05
Kia_Niro_HEV_13

Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

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
20C0047_067
20C0047_071
20C0047_104
20C0047_115

Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Kia Niro
Kia XCeed
VS
It's the compact-crossover face-off that asks whether you crave wallet-friendly efficiency or a bit more personality: the Kia Niro goes toe-to-toe with the Kia XCeed. One is all about hybrid thrift and everyday practicality; the other flirts with sharper styling and a livelier drive — both sensible …
Kia Niro
Nissan Qashqai
VS
The Kia Niro and the Nissan Qashqai occupy similar compact crossover territory but take different approaches: the Niro emphasizes efficiency and clever interior packaging, while the Qashqai leans toward a more conventional SUV feel with sharper road manners. This short comparison outlines the key …
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and the Mercedes GLA take different approaches to compact luxury: the CLA Shooting Brake offers sleek, coupe‑like wagon styling and a focus on on‑road poise, while the GLA is a taller, more practical compact SUV with better visibility and load flexibility. This …
Kia Niro
Toyota C-HR
VS
Choosing between the Kia Niro and the Toyota C-HR comes down to whether you prioritize efficiency and practicality or bold styling and a sportier ride. This quick comparison highlights the Niro’s roomy, fuel-efficient approach versus the C-HR’s striking design and agile feel to help you pick the …
Kia Niro
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Kia Niro feels like the sensible crossover hero — roomy, composed and blessed with a polished hybrid system that trims fuel bills without stripping comfort. The Toyota Yaris Cross is smaller and cheekier, nailing city agility and frugal running costs, so pick the Niro for family practicality …
Hyundai Kona
Kia Niro
VS
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro are two popular compact crossovers that appeal to buyers deciding between sportier looks and practical efficiency. Though they share similar underpinnings and offer hybrid and electric options, they differ in driving dynamics, interior space, and feature priorities — …
Kia Niro
Kia EV2
VS
Unsure whether the Kia Niro or the Kia EV2 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Ford Kuga
Kia Niro
VS
The Ford Kuga and Kia Niro are two practical compact crossovers aimed at buyers who want a sensible mix of space, economy and everyday usability, but they take noticeably different approaches to driving dynamics and powertrains. If you value sharper handling and a more spacious, premium-feeling …
Kia Niro
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 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
1,474 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Kia
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

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.