2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Volvo XC60

$49,250 · Crossover

$49,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between two top-tier compact luxury crossovers like the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2026 Volvo XC60 can be tough, especially when MSRPs are so close—Car 1 starts at $49,250 and Car 2 at $49,700. If your priority is highway cruising efficiency and immediate pep, the GLC has a slight edge; its 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 27 MPG combined rating, make it slightly punchier and more economical on paper than the XC60's 247 hp and 26 MPG combined. However, daily driving considerations matter greatly: the Volvo offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a significant advantage over the GLC's Rear-Wheel Drive base setup. While both vehicles are nearly identical in overall size (185.7 inches long for the Mercedes vs. 185.4 inches for the Volvo), the XC60 stands 0.6 inches taller, potentially offering a commanding view of the road.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class offers better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined and requires less frequent fill-ups compared to the XC60's 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volvo XC60

The standard All-Wheel Drive system in the XC60 provides superior traction and stability for varying family conditions over the GLC's base RWD setup.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class delivers more power with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a more spirited driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class undercuts the XC60 on price by $450 while offering greater horsepower and better combined fuel economy.

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

You prioritize maximum engine output, specifically the 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque available.
You want the best possible fuel efficiency, achieving 32 highway MPG.
You prefer to save upfront costs, as the GLC has a lower starting MSRP of $49,250.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

You live in an area requiring consistent traction, as the XC60 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer a slightly taller seating position, as the XC60 measures 65.2 inches in height.
You want to use regular fuel, as premium is only recommended for the XC60, whereas it is required for the GLC.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Volvo XC60
Length	185.7"	185.4"
Width	74.4"	-
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	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	11.2 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
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.

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	—
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
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2026 Volvo XC60.

Does the 2025 Mercedes GLC-Class come with AWD standard?

No, the base 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is specified with Rear-Wheel Drive. If you need AWD capability for foul weather, you will likely need to opt for an upgrade package or model variation beyond the entry-level trim compared to the Volvo.

How much power difference is there between the two crossovers?

The Mercedes GLC-Class has a distinct power advantage, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC60 provides 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, making the GLC quicker in acceleration tests.

Which car offers better fuel economy for my daily commute?

The GLC-Class slightly wins on fuel economy, boasting a combined rating of 27 MPG versus the XC60's 26 MPG combined. However, note that the GLC also strictly requires premium unleaded fuel, which can affect real-world running costs.

Are there significant size differences I should worry about when parking?

The dimensions are extremely close; both crossovers are about 185.4 to 185.7 inches long. The XC60 is slightly taller at 65.2 inches, which might affect clearance in very low garages, but the width is nearly identical.

Is the cargo space notably different between the GLC and the XC60?

Based on the provided specs, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. We do not have the specific cargo volume for the 2026 Volvo XC60, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison for hauling gear.

Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is the less expensive option at a starting MSRP of $49,250. The 2026 Volvo XC60 carries a slightly higher starting price point of $49,700.