2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

$47,050 · Crossover

$41,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a premium compact luxury crossover often comes down to prioritizing space and standard features versus initial cost savings and efficiency. The 2025 Volvo XC60 enters the ring with a higher starting MSRP of $47,050, offering a more substantial footprint at 185.4 inches long and a robust 247 hp. Contrast this with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which is significantly more accessible at $41,500 and delivers better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Volvo's 26 MPG combined. While the GLA is slightly less potent with 221 hp, its smaller size (173.6 inches in length) might suit tight city parking better. The Volvo does boast standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base GLA utilizes Front-Wheel Drive. For buyers needing proven practicality and more standard capability, the XC60 holds an edge, but the GLA offers a compelling entry point into luxury motoring with lower running costs for routine travel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the XC60's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volvo XC60

The 2025 Volvo XC60 is better suited for families thanks to its larger overall dimensions and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volvo XC60

The XC60 provides more sheer performance with 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the GLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers significantly better entry value with a $5,550 lower MSRP than the comparable Volvo XC60.

Choose the Volvo XC60 if...

You need the extra stability and traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You require more physical space, as the XC60 is longer at 185.4 inches compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches.
You prioritize immediate power, as the XC60 delivers 247 horsepower, 26 hp more than the competition.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...

Keeping the purchase price down is a priority, given the GLA starts $5,550 cheaper at $41,500.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, with the GLA achieving 30 MPG highway versus 30 MPG highway for the XC60.
You frequently park in tight spots, benefiting from the GLA's shorter 173.6-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo XC60	Mercedes-Benz GLA
Length	185.4"	173.6"
Width	74.9"	72.2"
Height	65.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	112.8"	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 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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
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	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	266 lb-ft	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)	432.4/564.0 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	220W	—
Speaker System	10	—
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
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.0 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.4 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/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 Power Adjustments	8-way	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 Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Volvo	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.4 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 Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
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 XC60 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Is the fuel requirement the same for both crossovers?

No, there is a difference in fuel needs: the 2025 Volvo XC60 recommends premium unleaded, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.

How much larger is the 2025 Volvo XC60 compared to the 2026 GLA?

The XC60 is noticeably larger, measuring 185.4 inches in length compared to the GLA's 173.6 inches. This extra 11.8 inches in length typically translates to more interior comfort or cargo volume for the Volvo.

Which car offers better standard power for passing maneuvers?

The Volvo XC60 is the more powerful vehicle, boasting 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, which outmuscles the GLA's 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Does the drive type differ between these base models?

Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC60 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing better traction in varied conditions. Conversely, the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration.

If I need cargo space, which model has better capacity?

Based only on the data provided, the Mercedes-Benz GLA lists a cargo capacity of 15.4 cubic feet, while the specific cargo volume for the 2025 Volvo XC60 was not specified in the base comparison figures.

What is the price gap when comparing the entry-level models?

There is a substantial $5,550 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The GLA starts at $41,500 while the XC60 has a base price of $47,050.