2025 Volvo XC60 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo XC60 charms with its serene Swedish design and practical AWD capability starting at $47,050. It offers a reliable 247 hp and achieves a respectable 26 combined MPG, making it a composed highway companion. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC excites with a slight performance edge, boasting 255 hp and a superior 295 lb-ft of torque, promising sharper acceleration. The GLC undercuts the Volvo slightly on efficiency with 27 combined MPG and its standard RWD configuration. Dimensionally, they are close rivals; the Volvo is marginally taller at 65.2 inches versus the GLC's 64.6 inches, while the GLC offers 21.9 cu ft of cargo space. The GLC's slightly higher MSRP of $49,550 reflects its extra performance hardware, while the XC60 leans into foundational luxury and all-weather security with standard AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 offers standard All-Wheel Drive, providing superior security in varied commuter conditions compared to the GLC's standard Rear-Wheel Drive.
2025 Volvo XC60
The XC60's $2,400 lower starting MSRP of $47,050 provides better immediate value for family budgeting over the GLC.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers a notable performance advantage with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Volvo's 247 hp and 266 lb-ft.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC
The GLC achieves slightly better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and includes a transmission with an extra gear (9-speed vs. 8-speed).
Choose the Volvo XC60 if...
- You prioritize standard security features, as the XC60 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- Your budget is a primary concern, given the XC60's MSRP starts $2,400 lower at $47,050.
- You prefer the known efficiency of a 26 combined MPG rating paired with standard AWD.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC if...
- You crave sharper acceleration from the extra 28 lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft total).
- You desire the absolute latest model year designation, being the 2026 model.
- You value the marginally better fuel economy of 27 combined MPG and the extra gear in the 9-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC60 | Mercedes-Benz GLC |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 185.7" |
| Width | 74.9" | 74.4" |
| Height | 65.2" | 64.6" |
| Wheelbase | 112.8" | 113.1" |
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 Power 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 | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear 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 | 24/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 417.6/556.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 11.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 5 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.4 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | 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. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.0 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 | 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 GLC.
How do the power outputs compare between the 2025 XC60 and the 2026 GLC?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a slight performance boost with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2025 Volvo XC60 produces 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Volvo XC60 or the Mercedes-Benz GLC more fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a slim advantage in efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG, while the Volvo XC60 is rated at 26 combined MPG.
What is the significant difference in drivetrain configuration?
The 2025 Volvo XC60 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is excellent for adverse weather. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC comes standard with Rear-Wheel Drive, offering a different dynamic feel.
How do the starting prices and transmissions differ?
The Volvo XC60 has a lower MSRP of $47,050 and utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts higher at $49,550 and is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The vehicles are nearly identical in footprint, but the XC60 is slightly taller at 65.2 inches compared to the GLC's 64.6 inches. The GLC does offer measurable cargo volume listed at 21.9 cu ft.
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, both luxury crossovers recommend or require premium fuel; the XC60 recommends it, while the GLC requires premium unleaded.
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