Kia Niro vs Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The Kia Niro is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 113 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,950 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Niro leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Niro | Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 113 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 126 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 102 mpg ✓ | 34 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $650 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 71 g/mi ✓ | 306 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM6) | Automatic (AM8), Automatic (AM7) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Electricity | Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Small Station Wagons | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2017–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 43 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Niro vs GLA-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Niro or the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The Kia Niro is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 113 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, a 84 mpg advantage and costs about $1,950 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Niro runs about $650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — a difference of roughly $1,950 per year.
What engines do the Niro and GLA-Class offer?
Kia Niro: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Kia Niro as Small Station Wagons and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Niro comparisons
Comparison id: kia-niro-vs-mercedes-benz-gla-class