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Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLC comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 472 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 50,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mercedes GLC?

Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLC: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes GLC

4.4 (12 Reviews)
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  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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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:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Niro is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,193 £.

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

GLC

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 GLC offers significantly more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 334 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 6.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 485 Nm more.

Niro

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, Kia Niro is clearly lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 511 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries somewhat more – 575 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 109 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLC stands well ahead of its rival 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 £50,300
GLC

Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 472 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 122 - 128 km
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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 …
Mercedes GLC
Volvo EX60
VS
The Mercedes GLC and the Volvo EX60 take different approaches to the premium compact SUV segment: the GLC leans on refined ride, traditional luxury and a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid or plug-in options, while the EX60 emphasizes all-electric power, minimalist Scandinavian design and advanced …
Kia Niro
Mercedes GLC

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

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Kia_Niro_HEV_05
Kia_Niro_HEV_13

Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
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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 GLC

The Mercedes GLC blends plush cabin comfort and composed road manners into an SUV that feels more grown-up than it looks. It won’t shout for attention, but will quietly please buyers who want refinement, usable space and a touch of luxury without the drama.

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Reviews Mercedes GLC

4.4 (12 Reviews)
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Zede
10 May 2026, 20:12:35

Too expensive! To justify it with technology that's equal or inferior.

Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Marek
2 Jan 2026, 18:32:30

There’s something about a Mercedes — you have to take it for a spin to feel it and understand why it’s special.

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

Frequently compared as well

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 — …
Mercedes GLC
Toyota RAV4
VS
Choosing between the Mercedes GLC and the Toyota RAV4 comes down to whether you prioritize luxury and driving refinement or practicality and low running costs. The GLC brings a more premium cabin, sharper handling and advanced tech, while the RAV4 focuses on reliability, fuel efficiency and …
Kia EV3
Kia Niro
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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, …
Mercedes GLC
Volvo XC60
VS
The Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60 are two of the top contenders in the compact luxury SUV class, each bringing a distinct take on comfort, technology and driving dynamics. If you prioritize sporty refinement and a plush, tech-forward cabin the GLC is a strong choice; if you value Scandinavian design, …
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 …
Mercedes GLC
Mercedes E Class
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The Mercedes GLC and the Mercedes E‑Class target different buyers: the GLC is a compact luxury SUV that prioritizes versatility and a raised driving position, while the E‑Class is a mid‑size executive sedan focused on comfort, refinement and technology. This comparison looks at how they differ in …
Ford Kuga
Kia Niro
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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 …
Honda Jazz
Kia Niro
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The Honda Jazz is a clever, practical small hatch with a hugely flexible interior and low running costs, while the Kia Niro is a larger compact crossover offering more cabin space, tech and hybrid/electric powertrain options. If you mostly do city driving and value versatility choose the Jazz; if …
Kia Niro
Mercedes GLC

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
122 - 128 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
41 - 214 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
1,985 - 2,400 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
475 - 575 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
186 - 472 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
380 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
137 - 347 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, 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.