Compare performance (288 HP vs 680 HP), boot space and price (30,200 £ vs 50,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Sportage or Mercedes GLC?
The SUV segment continues to be a fiercely competitive one, packed with diverse options that cater to different preferences and needs. Two models that stand out in this category are the Kia Sportage and the Mercedes GLC. Let's dive into their technical aspects and innovations to see how they compare.
The Kia Sportage offers a versatile range of engine types to suit various driving styles. Options include Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, and even a Plugin Hybrid variant. With power outputs ranging from 136 HP to 252 HP, there's a version for every type of SUV enthusiast. The petrol variant with 160 HP and the full hybrid at 215 HP strike a balance between power and efficiency. Notably, some models achieve an impressive consumption rate as low as 1.2 L/100km in their plugin hybrid form.
On the flip side, the Mercedes GLC emphasizes power with its top-end offerings. It's available with Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, and Plugin Hybrid engines. The power range is remarkable, going from a base of 186 HP to a whopping 680 HP in its AMG version. Efficiency is highlighted in their plugin hybrids, achieving consumption as low as 0.4 L/100km, and boasting electric ranges up to 130 km.
Both the Kia Sportage and the Mercedes GLC are designed with modern driving dynamics. The Sportage allows for front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranges from 8.3 seconds to 11.6 seconds, depending on the engine choice.
The Mercedes GLC takes sportier performance up a notch with standard all-wheel drive across its range. Acceleration is impressive, with times as swift as 3.5 seconds to 100 km/h for its AMG variant. The automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride in all conditions.
Inside, both SUVs comfortably seat five passengers. However, the trunk capacity of the Sportage ranges from 526 to 587 liters, making it a practical choice for families or anyone needing substantial cargo space. The Mercedes GLC varies its trunk space from 390 to 620 liters, emphasizing upscale style and comfort while offering flexibility for cargo.
The Kia Sportage measures 4515 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 1650 mm in height, combined with a stylish exterior that appeals to modern aesthetics. It's built for practicality with a balance between form and function.
In comparison, the Mercedes GLC commands more road presence with a length stretching up to 4792 mm, a width of 1890 mm, and a sophisticated design ethos typical of Mercedes-Benz luxury. Its sleeker profile is tailored more towards the premium SUV category.
Both the Kia Sportage and Mercedes GLC cater to distinct audiences within the SUV market. The Sportage stands out for its versatile engine options, practical space solutions, and affordability, making it a great choice for families and adventure seekers alike. Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLC offers a premium experience with powerful performance, luxurious interiors, and cutting-edge technology, ideal for those who prioritize sophistication and driving excellence.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Kia Sportage is significantly cheaper – starting at 30,200 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20,165 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLC uses 1.6 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Kia Sportage with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLC offers considerably more range – reaching up to 714 km, about 648 km more than the Kia Sportage.
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 GLC offers considerably more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 392 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.5 s. That’s about 4 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers considerably more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 640 Nm more.
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 Sportage is clearly lighter – 1,552 kg compared to 1,910 kg. The difference is around 358 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers barely more boot space – 620 L compared to 587 L. That’s a difference of about 33 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries marginally more – 600 kg compared to 580 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.
The Mercedes GLC holds a decisive overall lead 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.
The Kia Sportage proves you don't have to choose between style and sensible family motoring, wrapping modern, confident looks around a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It's an easy car to live with — comfortable on daily runs, pleasantly engaging when you want a bit of fun, and kind to your wallet so you can keep smiling at the fuel pump.
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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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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
30,200 - 47,100 £
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Price
50,300 - 126,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
63 - 66 km
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Electric Range
12 - 714 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
94 kWh
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co2
67 - 177 g/km
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co2
0 - 221 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
62 - 65 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,552 - 1,896 kg
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Curb weight
1,910 - 2,535 kg
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Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
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Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,716 - 4,845 mm
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Width
1,865 mm
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Width
1,890 - 1,913 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,603 - 1,644 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,490 - 1,740 L
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Payload
533 - 580 kg
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Payload
475 - 600 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
136 - 288 HP
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Power HP
186 - 680 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
210 - 275 km/h
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Torque
250 - 380 Nm
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Torque
320 - 1,020 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Power kW
100 - 212 kW
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Power kW
137 - 500 kW
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Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,991 - 2,989 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G, D, B, E, A
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Brand
Kia
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España