2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$43,000 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the 2026 Volvo XC40 often boils down to balancing luxury aspiration against practical necessity. If maximizing space is your priority, the XC40 offers a significant advantage with 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLA's smaller 15.4 cu ft. However, if performance is key, the GLA pulls ahead with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, comfortably outmuscling the XC40's 194 hp output. Price is another major factor; the XC40 starts at a lower MSRP of $39,900, saving you $3,100 over the GLA's $43,000 entry point. While both sip premium fuel, the GLA is slightly more efficient, netting a combined 29 MPG versus the Volvo's 27 MPG, though it mandates premium fuel whereas the XC40 only recommends it.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA offers slightly better fuel economy at 29 combined MPG, which helps keep running costs lower for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is the superior choice for families due to its noticeably larger 20.4 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

With 27 more horsepower (221 hp vs 194 hp) and greater torque, the Mercedes-Benz GLA provides a more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The XC40 wins on base value, starting at $39,900, which is $3,100 less expensive than the entry-level GLA.

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

You prioritize driving engagement and need the extra power from its 221 hp engine.
You prefer the slightly more efficient 29 combined MPG rating.
You favor the more compact footprint, measuring 173.6 inches in length.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Budget is a major concern, as the XC40 has a $3,100 lower starting MSRP of $39,900.
You haul a lot of gear, benefitting from the XC40's 20.4 cu ft cargo area.
You prefer a vehicle that only recommends premium fuel rather than requiring it.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volvo XC40
Length	173.6"	174.8"
Width	72.2"	76.3"
Height	63.5"	65.2"
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	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	221 lb-ft @ 1500 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	front 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	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/459.0 mi.	355.0/454.4 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	✓	—
Front View Camera	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.3 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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and 2026 Volvo XC40.

How much more cargo room does the Volvo XC40 have over the Mercedes GLA?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 provides significantly more space for luggage or groceries, boasting 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In comparison, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is quite tight in the rear with only 15.4 cubic feet available.

Is the performance gap between the two crossovers significant for daily driving?

Yes, there is a noticeable performance difference, as the GLA produces 221 hp compared to the XC40's 194 hp, meaning the Mercedes will feel quicker off the line and merging onto highways.

Do these compact SUVs require the same fuel?

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Volvo XC40 only recommends premium, allowing owners to use regular fuel if they choose.

Which car is physically larger?

The Volvo XC40 is the larger vehicle overall, sitting slightly taller at 65.2 inches high and wider at 76.3 inches wide, while the GLA measures 63.5 inches tall and 72.2 inches wide.

What is the total price difference between the starting trims?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class starts at $43,000, creating a $3,100 price premium over the 2026 Volvo XC40, which begins at $39,900.

How do their transmission setups differ?

While both utilize an 8-speed setup, the GLA uses an automated manual transmission, which can feel quicker, whereas the XC40 employs a more conventional shiftable automatic transmission.