VS
At a Glance
Power
147kW@3800
150 engine kW
Torque
422Nm@1800
320 Nm
Fuel
6.6
6.9 l/100km
Towing
2000
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6
7.8 s
Engine
2199
1999 cc
Choosing between the KIA SORENTO and the Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The KIA SORENTO delivers 147kW@3800 while the Mercedes-Benz GLC produces 150 engine kW. On fuel, the SORENTO returns 6.6 while the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R431 995 for the SORENTO and R1 135 189 for the GLC. 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
150 engine kW
Torque
422Nm@1800
320 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6
7.8 s
Top Speed
190
221 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2199
1999 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
62 l
CO2 Emissions
233
167 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4685
4716 mm
Width
1885
1890-2076 mm
Height
1710
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2700
2888 mm
Ground Clearance
184
—
Kerb Weight
1890
1835 DIN / 1910 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
620-1680 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
1520
600 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
2
Warranty Distance
100000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
20000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
SORENTO
Value
SORENTO
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
KIA SORENTO
Better fuel economy (6.6)
Lower starting price (R431 995)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Higher towing capacity (2400 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SORENTO or GLC?
The SORENTO uses 6.6 and the GLC uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The SORENTO 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 GLC?
The SORENTO produces 147kW@3800 and 422Nm@1800 of torque while the GLC delivers 150 engine kW and 320 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SORENTO and GLC?
The SORENTO starts from R431 995 and the GLC from R1 135 189. The SORENTO is cheaper by R703 194 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SORENTO or GLC?
The SORENTO has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the GLC can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SORENTO or the GLC?
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.