2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$43,000 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the stylish 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the practical 2025 Volvo XC40 often boils down to whether you prioritize brand prestige and fuel efficiency over raw utility and standard traction. The GLA starts at a higher MSRP of $43,000 compared to the XC40's $40,650, a notable difference when looking at entry-level luxury crossovers. However, the GLA claws back some ground with its efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined while requiring premium fuel, versus the XC40's 26 MPG combined where premium is only recommended. Interestingly, the Volvo delivers slightly more punch with 247 horsepower to the Mercedes' 221 hp, though both share the same 258 lb-ft of torque. The size difference is significant too: the XC40 boasts 20.4 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the GLA's 15.4 cu ft, making the practical choice very clear based on capacity alone.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG, even though it requires premium fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 is the better family hauler because it offers 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 appeals more to driving enthusiasts because it comes standard with 247 horsepower, beating the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo XC40

The 2025 Volvo XC40 provides better baseline value with a lower MSRP of $40,650 and standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

You want the best possible fuel economy rating in this pair, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
You prefer the prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge at the entry point.
You favor the smaller physical footprint, measuring 173.6 inches long, for easier city parking.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

You need significantly more storage, as the XC40 provides 20.4 cu ft versus 15.4 cu ft.
You prioritize having standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
You want higher standard output, with 247 horsepower available from the engine.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volvo XC40
Length	173.6"	174.8"
Width	72.2"	73.7"
Height	63.5"	65.0"
Wheelbase	107.4"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	250W
Speaker System	—	8
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.6 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/55R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2025 Volvo XC40.

Does the 2025 Volvo XC40 really need premium gasoline?

No, the 2025 Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded but is generally designed to run fine on regular fuel, unlike the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class which requires premium.

Which vehicle is physically larger for passengers and cargo?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 is physically larger overall, standing 65.0 inches tall compared to the GLA's 63.5 inches, and crucially offers 5 more cubic feet of cargo space.

Is the performance difference between the two noticeable?

While both offer 258 lb-ft of torque, the Volvo's 247 horsepower provides a clearer advantage over the Mercedes' 221 horsepower, which might be felt during acceleration.

What is the real-world price difference between the base models?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 has a $2,350 lower starting MSRP at $40,650 compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, which starts at $43,000.

How does the transmission in the GLA compare to the XC40?

The Mercedes GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Volvo utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering different shifting feel characteristics.

Which car is better equipped for snowy conditions right out of the box?

The 2025 Volvo XC40 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it an immediate advantage in poor weather over the front-wheel-drive configuration of the base 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.