Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA presented a modernized look with its new generation, fitting snugly as the smallest SUV in the Mercedes lineup. Its proportions and styling were designed to reflect its entry-level status, sitting below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA's dimensions placed it on the larger side of the subcompact class, comparable to the BMW X1. It was 7.6 centimetres taller and 1.2 cm shorter than its predecessor, with short overhangs and cladding that added to its muscular appearance. Despite the small-looking windows, the seating positions provided ample visibility. Inside, the GLA 250 featured less-than-premium surfaces, though the seats were well-appointed. However, the interior did not measure up to other luxury crossovers, with mass-market models offering nicer interiors for a similar price.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid showcased a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its flat, wide grille. The vehicle's personality shifted with different colours and trims, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinct grille styles. The side profile featured unique fender sculpting and black plastic tabs, while the rear view adopted a Range Rover-like style. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, with a simple horizontal dashboard and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious two-tone palette, though some buttons were difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm but surrounded by excellent material quality. Buyers could choose from various trim surfaces, including engineered wood and carbon.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA was available in three variants: the GLA 250 4MATIC, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45. The GLA 250 4MATIC featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The AMG GLA 35 offered 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The GLA's AWD system could be adjusted through various drive modes, and the vehicle featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear axle. However, the GLA 250 struggled with turbo lag and road noise, and its turning circle was not as tight as competitors.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed transmission. The Telluride Hybrid offered a quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Both Telluride models were tuned for comfort, delivering a smooth ride. The X-Pro model provided off-road capability, while the Hybrid SX Prestige had a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride was composed on winding roads, though not particularly sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, but brake response was immediate during panic stops.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with its added height. Front passengers enjoyed excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats provided more legroom than before, accommodating smaller adults comfortably. The GLA featured a 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable front seats. Cargo capacity was 435 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,430 litres with the seats folded. The low load floor and available power liftgate made cargo handling easy.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid provided ample space for adults in all three rows, though the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, offering comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The middle-row seats had significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom. The Telluride offered 631 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,379 litres with the seats folded. All trims featured buttons to remotely fold the second-row seatbacks, providing up to 2,528 litres of cargo capacity. The Telluride could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, or 2,040 kilograms for the hybrid.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens. The system included four USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless charging, head-up display, and navigation. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with intuitive scrolling and selection functionality. However, it lacked a quick way to scroll through radio stations. Voice-activated controls responded quickly to commands.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a hard tap to register inputs. The climate control screen was difficult to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. A 14-speaker Meridian audio system delivered powerful bass and clear tones, while lower trims had an eight-speaker system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA included standard safety features such as a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-drowsiness monitoring, and crosswind assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The GLA 250 felt lacking in standard safety features compared to less expensive SUVs.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid was expected to include standard safety features like forward collision warning, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, highway driving assist, and rear passenger sensors. Higher trims offered additional features such as a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor occasionally triggered at night, and the blind-spot cameras were more distracting than helpful. The highway driving assist was effective on longer trips.