2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$45,800 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class thrills with its potent 221 hp, positioning it as the spirited choice against the sensible 2026 Volvo XC40, which offers a refined experience starting at a compelling $39,900. The Mercedes commands a premium, with an MSRP of $45,800, but delivers 27 more horsepower and 37 lb-ft of extra torque, giving it a distinct edge in acceleration. While both offer similar fuel economy—the GLB achieving 28 combined MPG versus the XC40's 27—the Mercedes mandates premium fuel. The GLB is slightly longer at 182.4 inches, offering marginally more utility with 22 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Volvo's 20.4 cu ft. For drivers seeking that badge prestige and more immediate power delivery, the GLB justifies its higher cost; however, the XC40 provides an excellent entry point into the premium crossover segment with less horsepower demand.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 wins for daily driving due to its lower entry price and requirement for only recommended premium fuel, lowering running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class provides better practicality with a slightly larger 22 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The GLB-Class is clearly the driver's pick, offering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque versus the XC40's 194 hp and 221 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The XC40 presents superior financial value by undercutting the GLB-Class's MSRP by $5,900.

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

You prioritize performance, enjoying the extra 27 horsepower the GLB delivers.
You require the marginally greater space provided by its 182.4-inch length and 22 cu ft cargo volume.
The prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand identity is a primary purchasing factor for you.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Sticking to a tighter budget is key, as the XC40 starts $5,900 less expensive than the GLB.
You prefer flexibility in fuel choice, as the XC40 only recommends premium unleaded.
You prioritize a wider stance, as the XC40 is significantly wider at 76.3 inches compared to the GLB's 72.2 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Volvo XC40
Length	182.4"	174.8"
Width	72.2"	76.3"
Height	66.7"	65.2"
Wheelbase	111.4"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
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 Solid 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	—	✓
Front 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)	25/33 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/524.7 mi.	355.0/454.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
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	40.7 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.9 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 GLB-Class and 2026 Volvo XC40.

How significant is the performance difference between the two FWD crossovers?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class boasts 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably quicker than the 2026 Volvo XC40, which produces 194 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. This 27 hp gap should translate into more responsive highway passing power for the GLB.

Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs regarding fuel?

The XC40 generally offers better running costs because its premium fuel is only recommended, whereas the GLB-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded. While both achieve a 27 or 28 combined MPG rating, the mandatory fuel requirement for the Mercedes adds to its operational expense.

Is the GLB-Class significantly larger than the XC40?

Yes, the GLB-Class is longer, measuring 182.4 inches compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches, providing a bit more overall footprint. This difference is reflected in the cargo area, where the GLB offers 22 cu ft versus the XC40's 20.4 cu ft.

What is the MSRP difference buyers must consider?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class starts at $45,800, which is exactly $5,900 more than the 2026 Volvo XC40's starting price of $39,900. This price premium buys performance and a different badge experience.

How do the transmissions compare in these FWD models?

Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed transmission setup. However, the GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual, suggesting potentially crisper shifts, while the XC40 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Do the highway efficiency ratings differ much between the two?

The efficiency ratings are extremely close, with the GLB achieving 33 MPG highway and the XC40 reaching 32 MPG highway. This minimal one MPG difference means neither car holds a significant commuting mileage advantage over the other.