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Mercedes GLB vs Skoda Karoq comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 190 HP), boot space and price (50,600 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLB or Skoda Karoq?

Mercedes GLB vs Skoda Karoq: Key differences

Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
details

Skoda Karoq

4.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly lighter
details

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

GLB

Introduction to the Contenders: Mercedes GLB and Skoda Karoq

In the booming SUV market, choosing the right vehicle can be a daunting task. Today, we're pitting the Mercedes-Benz GLB against the Skoda Karoq to see which SUV emerges as the victor in terms of performance, innovation, and practicality. Both vehicles promise much, but let's delve into the technicalities to find out which SUV suits your needs the best.

Karoq

Powertrain and Performance

The Mercedes GLB offers a variety of engine types, including petrol MHEV and diesel, with a broad power range from 150 HP to an impressive 320 HP. It features an advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a smooth shifting experience. With options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drives, the GLB can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds, depending on the variant, and reach a top speed of up to 250 km/h.

On the other hand, the Skoda Karoq offers petrol and diesel engines, with a power range between 115 HP and 190 HP. Skoda also provides both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Karoq achieves a top speed of up to 221 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in about 7 seconds for its more powerful models. Both SUVs provide refined driving experiences, but the Mercedes GLB edges ahead with its more robust powertrain options.

GLB

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

When it comes to fuel consumption, the Skoda Karoq demonstrates commendable efficiency with figures ranging between 4.9 to 7.6 L/100km, depending on the engine configuration. The Karoq also boasts lower CO2 emissions starting at 129 g/km. The Mercedes GLB, while offering a richer performance, has fuel consumption figures ranging from 5.6 to 9 L/100km and CO2 emissions from 146 to 204 g/km.

For the environmentally conscious driver, the Karoq stands out with its better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to the more performance-oriented GLB.

Karoq

Interior and Comfort

Both SUVs accommodate five passengers comfortably, offering a luxurious drive. The Mercedes GLB, with its slightly larger body length of up to 4650 mm, provides a marginally more spacious interior. Its trunk capacity ranges up to 570 L. Skoda Karoq possesses a trunk capacity of 521 L, sufficient for most family needs.

In terms of comfort and luxury, Mercedes-Benz’s premium badge stands for quality with higher-end materials and innovative tech features, including advanced infotainment systems. Skoda also offers a well-designed cabin with ample features, although it leans more towards functionality than the luxury found in the Mercedes.

GLB

Dimensions and Design

The commanding presence of the Mercedes GLB is evident in its larger dimensions, with a wheelbase that extends its stance on the road. The GLB’s height and width further contribute to its imposing aura. Conversely, the Skoda Karoq presents itself as a more compact choice in the SUV segment, making it an ideal urban companion with easier maneuverability thanks to its slightly smaller size.

Karoq

Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose?

Your choice between the Mercedes GLB and Skoda Karoq ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're seeking higher performance, driving luxury, and a more dominant road presence, the Mercedes GLB is a fitting choice. However, if you're more inclined towards efficiency, lower emissions, and more pragmatic features with an advantageous price point, the Skoda Karoq provides a compelling package.

In this competitive head-to-head, both SUVs showcase their own merits, ensuring that whatever choice you make, you step into a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and desires.

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

GLB

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.

Skoda Karoq is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 50,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,530 £.

Karoq

Engine and Performance:

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 GLB offers substantially more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 190 HP. That’s roughly 164 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Skoda Karoq takes 7 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers visibly more torque with 515 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 155 Nm more.

GLB

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, Skoda Karoq is significantly lighter – 1,380 kg compared to 2,200 kg. The difference is around 820 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers barely more boot space – 540 L compared to 521 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.

When it comes to payload, the Skoda Karoq carries barely more – 549 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLB 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 £50,600
GLB

Mercedes GLB

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 272 - 354 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 614 - 631 km
Mercedes GLB
Skoda Karoq

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLB

The Mercedes GLB is a practical compact SUV that mixes boxy, family-friendly space with premium German polish, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want usefulness without pretension. It drives with a confident, composed feel and somehow manages to look both rugged and refined — the grown-up SUV that still likes to have fun.

details

Skoda Karoq

The Skoda Karoq is a smart, unfussy compact SUV that blends roomy practicality with a pleasantly composed driving character. It won’t turn heads at a car meet, but it will make daily life easier with clever storage, sensible ergonomics and a reassuringly grown-up ride.

details
Mercedes GLB
Skoda Karoq

Costs and Consumption

Price
50,600 - 62,400 £
Price
29,100 - 41,700 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
614 - 631 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
128 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,200 - 2,280 kg
Curb weight
1,380 - 1,655 kg
Trunk capacity
540 L
Trunk capacity
521 L
Length
-
Length
4,390 mm
Width
1,861 mm
Width
1,841 mm
Height
-
Height
1,624 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,630 L
Payload
500 kg
Payload
456 - 549 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
272 - 354 HP
Power HP
115 - 190 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 7.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 - 11.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
192 - 210 km/h
Torque
335 - 515 Nm
Torque
200 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
200 - 260 kW
Power kW
85 - 140 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Skoda
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.