2025 Volvo XC90 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Comparison Overview
The most significant disparity between the 2025 Volvo XC90 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the starting MSRP, with the Volvo priced $4,850 lower at $57,400 compared to the Mercedes' $62,250. Performance metrics favor the GLE, which delivers 295 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the XC90's 266 lb-ft, although horsepower is nearly identical (255 hp vs. 247 hp). Fuel economy shows the XC90 leading with a combined 26 MPG versus the GLE's 23 MPG. Mechanically, the GLE utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission while the XC90 uses an 8-speed. The Volvo is also slightly longer at 195.0 inches compared to the GLE's 194.3 inches. The base GLE is RWD, while the XC90 employs AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo XC90
The 2025 Volvo XC90 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers a potentially better structure for cargo needs, though specific capacity data is incomplete for the Volvo.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provides higher torque output at 295 lb-ft and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Volvo XC90
The 2025 Volvo XC90 offers a $4,850 lower entry price point for comparable utility and horsepower.
Choose the Volvo XC90 if...
- Fuel efficiency is a priority, as the XC90 achieves 26 MPG combined versus 23 MPG for the GLE.
- Budget is constrained, given the XC90's starting MSRP is $57,400, undercutting the GLE by $4,850.
- All-wheel drive capability is required on the base trim, as the XC90 includes AWD while the GLE base model is RWD.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...
- Maximum low-end grunt is desired, provided by the GLE's 295 lb-ft of torque.
- A modern 9-speed automatic transmission is preferred over the XC90's 8-speed unit.
- The driver values the marginally taller stance, as the GLE is 70.7 inches high compared to 69.9 inches for the Volvo.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo XC90 | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.0" | 194.3" |
| Width | - | 76.7" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 117.5" | 117.9" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 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 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 @ 2000 rpm | 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/30 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 432.4/564.0 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 22.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 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 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.9 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.0 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | 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 |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 59.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 275/45R20 | 255/50R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
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 XC90 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Which vehicle costs significantly more upfront?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has a higher starting MSRP of $62,250. This is $4,850 more expensive than the 2025 Volvo XC90, which begins at $57,400.
Does the XC90 or the GLE offer better fuel economy?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 leads in efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined (23 city/30 highway). The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE posts a lower combined rating of 23 MPG (21 city/28 highway).
Which crossover provides better power output?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers superior torque at 295 lb-ft, exceeding the 2025 Volvo XC90’s 266 lb-ft. Horsepower figures are comparable, with the GLE at 255 hp versus the XC90’s 247 hp.
Are the drivetrains fundamentally different?
Yes, the standard configuration for the 2025 Volvo XC90 includes all-wheel drive, whereas the base 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is specified with rear-wheel drive.
How do their mandated fuel requirements compare?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel; however, the Volvo recommends it, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE explicitly requires it for operation.
Is there a major difference in size between the two models?
The 2025 Volvo XC90 is marginally longer at 195.0 inches compared to the GLE’s 194.3 inches. The GLE is also notably wider at 76.7 inches.
More Premium SUVs ($50k-$80k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool