2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2025 Volvo XC60
Comparison Overview
So, you're caught between the sleek new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the composed 2025 Volvo XC60? It's a tough choice between two premium compact crossovers! The GLC leads slightly in output, boasting 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the XC60 offers 247 hp and 266 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is closely matched, with the GLC hitting 27 MPG combined compared to the XC60's 26 MPG combined, though the GLC mandates premium fuel versus the Volvo's recommendation. The Mercedes is marginally smaller in length at 185.7 inches versus the Volvo's 185.4 inches, but the Volvo is slightly taller at 65.2 inches. Pricewise, the GLC starts higher at $49,250, whereas the XC60 has a lower MSRP of $47,050. For city drivers, the GLC's 24 MPG city is a slight advantage over the XC60's 23 MPG city rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins for commuters due to its slightly better 24/32 MPG city/highway fuel economy rating.
2025 Volvo XC60
The 2025 Volvo XC60 is likely the better family choice because its taller stance (65.2 inches) might offer marginally more headroom than the GLC's 64.6 inches.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The GLC-Class provides a minor performance edge with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the XC60's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft.
2025 Volvo XC60
The 2025 Volvo XC60 offers better baseline value, starting at an MSRP of $47,050 compared to the GLC's $49,250.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...
- You prioritize slightly punchier performance with 255 horsepower.
- You value maximizing highway cruising efficiency, achieving 32 MPG.
- You prefer the standard RWD setup offered by the base GLC-Class.
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- You want standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability right out of the gate.
- You need to save a bit upfront, as the starting MSRP is $47,050.
- You prefer using regular unleaded fuel, as premium is only recommended, not required.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | Volvo XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.7" | 185.4" |
| Width | 74.4" | 74.9" |
| Height | 64.6" | 65.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.7" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Power 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 247 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear 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) | 24/32 MPG | 23/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 417.6/556.8 mi. | 432.4/564.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 gal. | 18.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.9 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 5 | 10 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 58.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-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 | 10-way | 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 | — | 56.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 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 GLC-Class and 2025 Volvo XC60.
Which car is cheaper to run day-to-day regarding fuel?
While both use premium unleaded, the XC60 only recommends it, potentially saving money if your local gas station has a better premium price point than required by the GLC. However, the GLC's 27 MPG combined is technically better than the XC60's 26 MPG combined.
Is there a significant difference in size or cargo space?
The exterior dimensions are nearly identical, with the XC60 being slightly taller at 65.2 inches. Note that the provided specs only list the GLC's cargo capacity at 21.9 cu ft, whereas the XC60's capacity wasn't specified for direct comparison.
Does the base powertrain offer AWD or RWD?
This is a major differentiator: the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive, while the 2025 Volvo XC60 comes standard with All Wheel Drive.
How do their horsepower ratings compare?
The GLC-Class pulls ahead slightly with 255 horsepower compared to the XC60's 247 horsepower, meaning the Mercedes has 8 more horsepower available under the hood.
Which vehicle is better for city driving congestion?
The GLC-Class offers a slight edge in stop-and-go traffic efficiency, rating at 24 MPG in the city versus the XC60's 23 MPG city rating.
Is the premium fuel requirement a factor in the value proposition?
Yes, because the GLC-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded, which adds to the ongoing cost of ownership compared to the XC60 where premium is only recommended.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool