2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Volvo XC60

$43,000 · Crossover

$49,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class bursts onto the scene with agility and the prestige of the three-pointed star, offering sharp handling in a compact 173.6-inch frame. It boasts an efficient 29 MPG combined, perfect for city sprints, though it requires premium fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Volvo XC60 presents a more substantial, mature offering at $49,700, packing a slight performance edge with 247 hp versus the GLA’s 221 hp. While the Volvo demands a $6,700 premium over the Mercedes' starting price of $43,000, it counters with standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly more torque at 266 lb-ft. The GLA is the nimble entry point focused on urban efficiency, whereas the XC60 leans into robust size and capability, although its combined fuel economy drops slightly to 26 MPG.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and smaller footprint, aiding in city navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 is better for families as its larger size likely offers more interior space and standard AWD enhances security.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volvo XC60

The XC60 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 247 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive compared to the GLA's 221 hp and FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class offers immediate value, starting $6,700 less than the Volvo XC60 while still delivering luxury appeal.

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

You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is crucial, with an MSRP starting at $43,000.
You prefer a more compact vehicle, with a length of only 173.6 inches.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

You require the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied conditions.
You need the added capability and comfort provided by the 65.2-inch height and longer body.
You desire higher inherent power, with 247 hp available straight from the base model.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class	Volvo XC60
Length	173.6"	185.4"
Width	72.2"	-
Height	63.5"	65.2"
Wheelbase	107.4"	112.8"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
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
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	266 lb-ft
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.	432.4/564.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.8 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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	11.2 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	—	220W
Speaker System	—	10
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Front Head Room	39.0 in.	38.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	58.2 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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	56.4 in.
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	55.4 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	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 XC60.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirement between the GLA and the XC60?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance figures. The 2026 Volvo XC60, conversely, only recommends premium unleaded, offering flexibility for owners.

How significant is the size difference between these two crossovers?

The Volvo XC60 is substantially larger, measuring 185.4 inches long compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This extra 11.8 inches in length often translates directly into more passenger and cargo space for the Volvo.

Does the difference in horsepower affect the driving feel significantly?

Yes, the XC60's 247 hp provides a noticeable edge over the GLA's 221 hp, suggesting the Volvo will feel stronger when accelerating, especially given that both use 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Why does the GLA have better stated fuel economy despite using the same fuel type as the XC60?

The GLA achieves 29 MPG combined versus the XC60's 26 MPG, likely due to its smaller overall size, lower weight, and standard Front Wheel Drive configuration.

Is the GLA cheaper to run daily considering the required fuel?

Although the GLA is $6,700 cheaper upfront, the mandatory use of premium fuel might negate some of those savings over the long term compared to the XC60, which only recommends it.