Head-to-head
2027 Kia Sportage vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 83.3 to 69.1, on price, tech & comfort, safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance.
A
2027 Kia Sportage
The 2027 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…
vs
A2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is sold in the U.S. as an electric and hybrid midsize SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the GLC40…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Sportage
Clear winThe Kia Sportage wins clearly, 83.3 to 69.1, on price, tech & comfort, safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance.
Price 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 54.3
Tech & comfort 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 64.3
Fuel & range 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads by 62.2
| Category · weight | 2027 Kia Sportageoverall 83.3 | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Classoverall 69.1 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 45.7 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 37.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 80.4 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 66.1 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 42.6 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 35.7 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 83.3 | 69.1 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Kia Sportage: base trim LX FWD · Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: base trim GLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Sportage wins
- It lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 8.
- It starts $34,510 lower ($28,990 against $63,500 base MSRP).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 17.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers
- It is rated 119 combined against 41 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($650 against $1,650).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
45 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $28,990 | $63,500 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | — |
| Engine displacement | 2,497 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine | Dual Permanently Excited Synchronous Electric Motors with Front Disconnect Unit |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 483 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 25 mpg | 123 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 28 mpg | 119 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 33 mpg | 115 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.648 | — |
| Transmission speeds | 8 | 2 |
| Transmission type | automatic | Two-Speed (1st: 11:1 / 2nd: 5:1) |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | — |
| Overall height | 65.4 in | 64.7 in |
| Overall length | 184 in | 191 in |
| Overall width | 73.4 in | 75.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 109 in | 117 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 69.3 cu-ft | 61.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 36.6 cu-ft | 20.1 cu-ft |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.6 in | — |
| Second-row headroom | 39.4 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | — |
| Second-row legroom | 41.3 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,434 lbs | 5,578 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,740 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | McPherson strut | Four-Link |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | Multi-Link with Steel Coil Springs |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column Type - Motor Driver Power Steering (MDPS) | Speed-Dependent, Electro-Mechanical Power Steering |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.3 ft | 19.9 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 320 mm | 371 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 300 mm | 361 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 20 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 7 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 235/65R17 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.3 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.5 in | — |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
168 features · differences first, then sharedSafety45 differ · 46 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA2) | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC with S&G) | std | — |
| Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA) | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | — |
| Surround View 360 Camera | — | std |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | — |
| Front seat-mounted side air bags | std | — |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | — |
| Navigation based Smart Cruise Control Curve (NSCC-C) | std | — |
| Parking Collision Avoidance - Reverse (PCA-R) | std | — |
| Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | std | — |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | std | — |
| Active Brake Assist | — | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Assist | — | std |
| Blind Spot-Collision Warning (BCW) | std | — |
| Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Digital Extras: Restart Function, Route-Based Speed Adjustment and Speed Limit Function | — | std |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST | — | opt |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO (available at a later date) | — | opt |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | std | — |
| Height adjustable up/down headrests | std | — |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | std | — |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Impact sensing auto door unlock | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | std | — |
| MB.DRIVE Standard (Lane Keeping Function, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, Stop Sign and Traffic Light Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Function, Maneuvering Assist and Reversing Camera) | — | std |
| PRE-SAFE® with PRE-SAFE® Sound | — | std |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) | std | — |
| Speed sensing auto door locks | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) High-Line | std | — |
| High Performance LED Headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist | std | std |
Infotainment25 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| 10.25-inch Driver Display, 14-inch Central Multimedia Display and 14-inch Digital Trim Panel | — | std |
| 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with Satellite Radio, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Voice Recognition, Wi-Fi, Map OTA, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (ccNC Navigation) | std | — |
| 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters) | std | — |
| Bluetooth phone and streaming audio hands-free | std | — |
| Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System (16 speakers, 850 watts) with Dolby Atmos®, Sound Personalization, Automatic Seat Recognition, Noise Compensation and Chrome Speaker Covers | — | opt |
| Center speaker (front x1) | std | — |
| Digital Extra: MB.CHARGE Public | — | std |
| Digital Extra: MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7-years) | — | std |
| Digital Extra: MBUX Smartphone Integration with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | — | std |
| Exclusive Package (Mercedes-Benz ICONIC Grille with Illuminated Panel, Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL, MBUX Superscreen with 14-inch Passenger Display, Ambient Lighting and Illuminated Door Sills) | — | opt |
| Fourth Generation MBUX Infotainment Powered by MB.OS | — | std |
| Front USB c-type charging and connection (x1) | std | — |
| Harman Kardon Premium Audio system | std | — |
| Inductive Wireless Smartphone Charging | std | — |
| MBUX Augmented Reality Head-Up Display | — | opt |
| MBUX Hyperscreen with Seamless 39.1-inch Display | — | opt |
| MBUX Profile Authentication via Facial Recognition | — | std |
| Paddle shifters | std | — |
| Pinnacle Package (All Features of Exclusive Package, DIGITAL LIGHT, Active Ambient Lighting, Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System and ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL) | — | opt |
| Pinnacle Plus Package (All Features of Pinnacle Package, Digital Extra: DIGITAL LIGHT with Projection Function, Ambient Lighting for Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL, MBUX Hyperscreen with Seamless 39.1-inch Display, Burmester® 4D Surround Sound System, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats with Massage Function Plus, Heated Rear Seats and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side) | — | opt |
| Rear USB c-type chargers (x2 ports rear console) | std | — |
| SiriusXM 360L Satellite Radio with Trial Period | — | std |
| Steering wheel mounted audio controls | std | — |
| Subwoofer speaker (front x1) | std | — |
Convenience10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height adjustable Smart power liftgate | std | — |
| Digital Key 2.0 Premium | std | — |
| Smart Key with Push Button Start with burglar alarm and panic function | std | — |
| 12V power outlet (console x1, cargo x1) | std | — |
| Digital Extra: Digital Vehicle Key for Smartphone | — | std |
| KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package w/ Digital Extras | — | std |
| Power window with one-touch auto up/down (driver window) | std | — |
| Powered front and rear windows | std | — |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | std | — |
| Power windows with front one-touch auto up/down and safety | std | — |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row air vents | std | — |
| Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control with Pre-Entry Climate Control | — | std |
| Dual-zone full automatic temperature control (FATC) | std | — |
| Automatic defog system | std | — |
Seating12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | — |
| SynTex premium artificial leather seating | std | — |
| 2-position Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver's seat and outside mirrors | std | — |
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat | std | — |
| Heated Power Front Seats with 4-Way Lumbar Support and Memory | — | std |
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | — |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| AMG Line Sport Seat Package | — | opt |
| Cloth seating | std | — |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | std | — |
| Rear 60:40 folding with recline | std | — |
| Rear center padded armrest with cup holders | std | — |
| Heated Power Front Seats with 4-Way Lumbar Support and Memory | std | std |
Interior16 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient Lighting for Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL | — | opt |
| Day and night rear-view mirror | std | — |
| Door pocket bottle holder | std | — |
| Extendable sunvisor | std | — |
| Hydrographic wood center fascia | std | — |
| Metal paint center fascia | std | — |
| Metal paint inside door handle | std | — |
| Padded front center armrest with storage box and cupholders | std | — |
| Soft PVC Trans gearshift knob | std | — |
| Soft-touch crashpad | std | — |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | std | — |
| Vegan Package – world's first independently certified vegan interior from an automaker | — | opt |
| Illuminated sunvisor mirrors | std | — |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | std | — |
| LED luggage lamp | std | — |
| LED map lamp | std | — |
| New Multifunction Steering Wheel in Leather | std | std |
Exterior37 differ · 38 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic sunroof with power shade | std | — |
| Power folding outside mirrors | std | — |
| 18-inch Alloy wheels | std | — |
| 20-inch Wheels | — | std |
| 21-inch Wheels | — | opt |
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | std | — |
| AMG Line (AMG Exterior Styling, AMG Wheels, Multifunction Sports Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather, AMG Floor Mats and AMG Sports Pedals) | — | opt |
| AMG Line Plus with Night Package | — | opt |
| AMG Night Package | — | opt |
| Black radiator grille with silver trim | std | — |
| Body-color outside mirrors | std | — |
| Front variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Full Glass Panoramic Roof with Infrared Film and Low-Emissivity Coating | — | std |
| Gloss black outside mirrors | std | — |
| Gloss black radiator grille with dark trim / Gloss black unique design radiator grille with dark trim | std | — |
| Gloss black window DLO surround | std | — |
| Heated tailgate glass | std | — |
| Hidden rear tailgate glass wiper | std | — |
| High Performance LED Headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Daytime Running Light Star | — | std |
| Illuminated Grille Outline and Illuminated Central Mercedes-Benz Star | — | std |
| LED daytime running lights (DRL) Amber Type | std | — |
| LED fog light | std | — |
| LED Low Projection and High MFR Beam Low and High Beam, Cube type | std | — |
| LED rear combination lights | std | — |
| Matte black over fender trim | std | — |
| Matte black side sill trim | std | — |
| Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL | — | opt |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors | std | — |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals | std | — |
| Privacy rear windows (PHEV: Privacy rear windows) | std | — |
| Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers and Heated Windshield Washer System | — | std |
| Rear spoiler | std | — |
| Silver finish window DLO surround | std | — |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | std | — |
| Auto light control | std | — |
| Privacy glass (tailgate and rear windows) | std | — |
| LED high mounted stop lamp | std | — |
| Heated Power Adjustable and Folding Driver and Passenger Exterior Mirrors | std | std |
Powertrain6 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| Terrain mode, Snow, Mud, Sand modes (AWD only) | std | — |
| 6-Speed Automatic Transmission | std | — |
| Adjustable Regenerative Braking with Four Levels of Recuperation ("D Auto," "D+," "D" and "D-") | — | std |
| Electric Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | std | — |
| Transmission gear selector - Rotary Dial (Shift-by-wire) | std | — |
| AMG Performance 4MATIC+ Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive | std | std |
| AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" & "Individual" Drive Programs | std | std |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Agility & Comfort Package (AIRMATIC Air Suspension with Intelligent Suspension Control, 4.5-degree Rear-Axle Steering) | — | opt |
| McPherson strut front suspension | std | — |
| Multi-link rear suspension | std | — |
| Shock Absorber Type: Gas | std | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-level cargo floor | std | — |
| Luggage net hook | std | — |
| Trailer Hitch and Digital Extra: Trailer Maneuvering Assist | — | opt |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Sportage
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Engine (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia SportageLX FWD | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $28,990 (base trim) | $63,500 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $28,990 – $47,390 18 trims | $63,500 – $75,900 4 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV, HEV, GAS | BEV, HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Sportage Hybrid FWD | GLC400 4matic electric (ST) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 41 | 119 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,650 | $650 |
| EV range | — | 350 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Kia Sportage or the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 83.3 to 69.1, on price, tech & comfort, safety. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Sportage scores 83.3 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 69.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Kia Sportage or the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The 2027 Kia Sportage starts lower — $28,990 against $63,500, a gap of $34,510 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Kia Sportage or the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
2027 Kia Sportage: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Kia Sportage and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
Where the 2027 Kia Sportage wins: it lists 37 standard driver-assist features against 8, starts $34,510 lower ($28,990 against $63,500 base MSRP), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 17.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers: it is rated 119 combined against 41 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,000 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($650 against $1,650). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.