VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
130 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
270 Nm
Fuel
7.4
7.3 l/100km
Towing
2000
—
0-100 km/h
9.9
8.9 s
Engine
2199
1332 cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA Sorento delivers 147kW@3800 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 130 kW. On fuel, the Sorento returns 7.4 while the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 995 for the Sorento and R913 640 for the GLA. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
147kW@3800
130 kW
Torque
437Nm@1800
270 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9
8.9 s
Top Speed
190
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199
1332 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.4
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70
43 l
CO2 Emissions
233
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685
4412 mm
Width
-1885
1834-2020 mm
Height
1700
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2729 mm
Ground Clearance
185
143 mm
Kerb Weight
1801
1491 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
—
Load Capacity
2052
525 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
DRIVER
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
2
Warranty Distance
100000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
20000
service interval indicator max 20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLA
Fuel Economy
GLA
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price (R499 995)
Higher fuel consumption (7.4)
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.9 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or GLA?
The Sorento uses 7.4 and the GLA uses 7.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLA is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or GLA?
The Sorento produces 147kW@3800 and 437Nm@1800 of torque while the GLA delivers 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and GLA?
The Sorento starts from R499 995 and the GLA from R913 640. The Sorento is cheaper by R413 645 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or GLA?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the GLA can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the GLA?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.