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Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLE comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 585 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 78,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mercedes GLE?

Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLE: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes GLE

4.7 (3 Reviews)
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  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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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.

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

Niro

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia Niro is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 78,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 49,778 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLE uses 3.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Kia Niro with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.

GLE

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE offers substantially more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 447 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 6.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLE delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 485 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 clearly lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 2,390 kg. The difference is around 916 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLE offers clearly more boot space – 655 L compared to 451 L. That’s a difference of about 204 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLE carries visibly more – 770 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 304 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLE 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 £78,900
GLE

Mercedes GLE

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 309 - 585 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 91 - 104 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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 …
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
Mercedes GLE

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.

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Reviews Kia Niro

4.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
pip
11 Jul 2026, 08:42:12

nice size, roomy for passengers, lots of bells and whistles as standard, magnificent fuel economy,well made , 7 year warranty

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
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 GLE

The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.

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Reviews Mercedes GLE

4.7 (3 Reviews)
rate
Andreas
7 Jun 2026, 08:43:32

Mercedes is completely superior to Volvo, which feels plasticky and noisy with poor fit and finish, a poor tactile feel in the controls and a lack of buttons.

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
Victor
10 Apr 2026, 07:46:13

I just love Benz cars

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

Frequently compared as well

Kia Niro
Kia Sportage
VS
Choosing between the Kia Niro and the Kia Sportage comes down to priorities: the Niro is a compact, efficiency-focused crossover—available as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric—best for buyers who want low running costs and easy urban maneuverability. The Sportage is a slightly larger, more …
Honda HR-V
Kia Niro
VS
The Honda HR-V and the Kia Niro are two popular small crossovers that appeal to buyers seeking practicality and efficiency in city-friendly packages. We’ll compare the HR-V’s roomy, versatile interior and comfortable ride against the Niro’s stronger emphasis on hybrid/electric powertrains and …
Kia Niro
VW T-Roc
VS
Kia Niro plays the sensible card with roomy packaging, excellent hybrid economy and impressively low running costs, while the VW T‑Roc is the flashier, more dynamic compact SUV that delivers sharper handling and a slightly more premium cabin. If you’re after thrift and family practicality go Niro; …
Kia Niro
Renault Arkana
VS
In the competitive crossover market, the Kia Niro and Renault Arkana both offer distinct advantages. The Kia Niro stands out with its impressive fuel efficiency and eco-friendly hybrid and electric options, catering to environmentally conscious drivers. Meanwhile, the Renault Arkana captivates with …
Kia Niro
Kia EV2
VS
The Kia Niro and Kia EV2 compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mercedes GLE
Volvo XC90
VS
In the competitive luxury SUV segment, the Mercedes GLE and Volvo XC90 stand out for their distinctive qualities. The GLE impresses with its dynamic performance and cutting-edge technology, offering an engaging driving experience, while the XC90 enchants with its Scandinavian design and commitment …
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 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 GLE

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
78,900 - 115,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
91 - 104 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
72 - 241 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
2,390 - 2,815 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
485 - 655 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
2,010 - 2,018 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
495 - 770 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plug-in Hybrid, Diesel 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
309 - 585 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
6
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
227 - 430 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
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.