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Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLS comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 404 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 92,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Mercedes GLS?

Kia Niro vs Mercedes GLS: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly lighter
  • markedly more trunk space
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Mercedes GLS

  • substantially more power
  • substantially 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:

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

Kia Niro is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 63,528 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Niro uses 4.5 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

GLS

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 GLS offers substantially more power – delivering 404 HP compared to 138 HP. That’s roughly 266 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLS is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the Kia Niro takes 11.1 s. That’s about 5.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLS delivers considerably 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.

Seats: Mercedes GLS offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is clearly lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 1,106 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Niro offers markedly more boot space – 451 L compared to 355 L. That’s a difference of about 96 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries considerably more – 820 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 354 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Niro comes out clearly ahead 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 £29,100
Niro

Kia Niro

  • Engine Type Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 138 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Kia Niro
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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 …
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Mercedes GLS

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

4.5 (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 GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

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Reviews Mercedes GLS

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Mercedes GLS

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
206 - 226 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Trunk capacity
451 L
Trunk capacity
355 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,956 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
810 - 820 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, 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
336 - 404 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 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
247 - 297 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
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.