2025 Volvo XC40 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The primary disparity between the 2025 Volvo XC40 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA lies in power output, with the XC40 delivering 247 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, a 26 hp advantage. Conversely, the GLA exhibits superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the XC40's 26 combined MPG, and offers better highway efficiency at 34 MPG versus 30 MPG. Financially, the XC40 starts $850 lower at $40,650 MSRP. The XC40 also provides a substantial 5.0 cubic feet more cargo space (20.4 cu ft vs. 15.4 cu ft). However, the GLA is significantly smaller in footprint, being 1.2 inches shorter in length and 1.3 inches lower in height, and utilizes a standard FWD setup while the XC40 employs AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 29 combined MPG.
2025 Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 is better suited for families, offering 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the GLA's 15.4 cu ft.
2025 Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 247 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.
2025 Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 provides greater utility and power starting at a lower MSRP of $40,650.
Choose the Volvo XC40 if...
- You prioritize maximum horsepower, benefiting from the 247 hp output versus the GLA's 221 hp.
- You require superior luggage space, as the XC40 offers 20.4 cubic feet compared to 15.4 cubic feet.
- You prefer the standard All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction over the GLA's FWD setup.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, indicated by the GLA’s 29 combined MPG rating.
- You desire lower running costs with a slightly smaller physical footprint (173.6 inches length).
- You do not require premium fuel recommendations, though the GLA still requires premium.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC40 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.8" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.7" | 72.2" |
| Height | 65.0" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.4" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Front Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 326.6/426.0 mi. | 351.0/459.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 250W | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo XC40 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which crossover offers better acceleration based on specifications?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 has a measurable advantage in power, producing 247 horsepower, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA produces 221 horsepower. This 26 hp difference suggests the XC40 will be quicker off the line.
How significant is the difference in starting price between these two models?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 has an MSRP of $40,650, making it $850 less expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which starts at $41,500.
Does the GLA's superior MPG translate to significant long-term savings?
Yes, the GLA achieves 29 combined MPG (26/34 City/Highway) compared to the XC40's 26 combined MPG (23/30 City/Highway), meaning fewer trips to the pump over the long term.
For carrying large items, which crossover is better equipped?
The Volvo XC40 is substantially better for cargo, providing 20.4 cubic feet, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLA only supplies 15.4 cubic feet of space.
Are the transmissions different between the two vehicles?
Yes, the XC40 uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the GLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Which vehicle offers a larger footprint and is wider?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 is the larger vehicle, measuring 174.8 inches long and 73.7 inches wide, exceeding the GLA's corresponding dimensions.
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