Kia Sportage vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Sportage
From $38,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
115kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
543L
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Price TBC
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
270kW
9.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
655L
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 2 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that the Kia Sportage does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia Sportage gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 500Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 655L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe a 112L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,594/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,594 (Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years (Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has the largest boot at 655L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,700kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe makes the most power at 270kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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