Display omitted •Multilayer coatings mixed different Fe-based powders were investigated.•Microstructure and element distribution between both layers were investigated.•Ni element made alloying elements more evenly distributed in the LCed coatings.•Ni element improved impact toughness and corrosion resistance of LCed coatings.•Relationship between hardness and impact toughness of LCed coatings was presented. Multilayer coatings with Fe-based powders that mixed different elements were prepared in the surface layer of 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel by laser cladding, and the corresponding microstructure and element distribution between both adjacent layers were investigated. Mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion resistance were subsequently measured and analyzed. Results indicated that there were equiaxed dendrites and netlike eutectic structures at the interfaces between both adjacent layers of multilayer cladding, making the alloying elements more evenly distributed due to the addition of excess Ni element. Furthermore, the introduction and increment of Ni element to the Fe-based alloy significantly improved the impact toughness, and exhibited higher corrosion resistance of the cladding coatings.