Compare performance (421 HP vs 243 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 34,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or Ford Kuga?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, and two titans are battling it out for supremacy: the Ford Kuga and the Mercedes GLA. Both vehicles are packed with features and technology, designed to appeal to a broad audience. But which one offers the best combination of performance, efficiency, and practicality? Let's explore their specs and innovations to help you decide.
The Ford Kuga presents itself with a modern, sleek look. While its dimensions stand at a length of up to 4645 mm, a width of 1882 mm, and a height of up to 1681 mm, it boasts a robust presence on the road. The Kuga's design is focused on providing a blend of strength and style.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes GLA, with its premium compact SUV design, embodies luxury with a slightly more refined touch. It features dimensions of up to 4443 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1616 mm in height, making it slightly smaller compared to the Kuga, but still maintaining a solid road presence with its luxury design cues.
On the performance front, the Ford Kuga comes with a range of engine options including petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. With power ranging from 150 HP to 243 HP, it can dash from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 7.3 seconds, depending on the engine choice. The Kuga offers both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, adding versatility for different driving needs.
In contrast, the Mercedes GLA offers a broader range of engine options, including petrol MHEV, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and more potent petrol engines up to an impressive 421 HP. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h starts at a rapid 4.3 seconds for the sportiest variant, highlighting its performance advantage. The GLA features a dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery, alongside front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for both SUVs. The Ford Kuga's plug-in hybrid variant shines with a consumption rate as low as 0.9 L/100 km, offering an electric range of up to 69 km, ideal for eco-conscious city driving. Additionally, its CO2 emissions can be as low as 20 g/km.
The Mercedes GLA also provides excellent efficiency with its plug-in hybrid version, achieving a consumption rate of just 1 L/100 km and an electric-only range of up to 74 km. Its CO2 emissions are similarly low at 23 g/km, making it a stellar option for reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying luxury.
Inside, the Ford Kuga offers a spacious cabin with seating for five, and a trunk capacity of 412 liters, making it suitable for families and outdoor adventures.
The Mercedes GLA doesn't lag behind, offering a similar seating arrangement for five and a slightly larger trunk capacity of up to 435 liters, ensuring ample space for luggage or gear.
The choice between the Ford Kuga and Mercedes GLA depends on what you value most in a vehicle. The Kuga provides solid performance with the appeal of diverse powertrains, while the GLA emphasizes luxury, advanced technology, and higher performance potential. Both vehicles are remarkable in their own right, providing compelling choices for SUV enthusiasts.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Ford Kuga is somewhat cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,594 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is very slightly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 0.1 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLA offers marginally more range – reaching up to 74 km, about 6 km more than the Ford Kuga.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers substantially more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 178 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers significantly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 260 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Ford Kuga is barely lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 44 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Ford Kuga carries barely more – 550 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.
The Mercedes GLA 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.
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.
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The Ford Kuga is a practical and comfortable compact SUV that balances everyday usability with a composed ride and adaptable interior. It offers sensible tech and safety features, making it a solid choice for families or anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-live-with crossover.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
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Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
74 km
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Electric Range
68 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
66 - 216 g/km
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co2
55 - 154 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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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
-
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Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
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Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
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Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
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Width
1,882 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
480 - 500 kg
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Payload
541 - 550 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 421 HP
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Power HP
150 - 243 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
230 - 500 Nm
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Torque
240 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
85 - 310 kW
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Power kW
111 - 178 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Ford
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España