Compare the2022 Mercedes GLBVS 2022 Volvo XC60

Both the GLB and the XC60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 36 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLB’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 25th in initial quality. With 17 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 15th in reliability. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mercedes GLB is faster than the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the XC60 running its gasoline engine:

Both the GLB and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All GLBs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. A disable switch costs extra on the XC60.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The XC60 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

For better stopping power the GLB’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the XC60:

The GLB stops much shorter than the XC60:

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLB can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XC60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the GLB uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The GLB’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The XC60 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .89 G’s, while the XC60 B6 AWD Inscription pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 250 pounds less than the Volvo XC60.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the XC60 can only carry 5.

The GLB has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLB’s middle row seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the GLB is 2 inches lower than the XC60 (17” vs. 19”). The GLB’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the XC60’s (17.5” vs. 19.5”).

The GLB’s cargo area provides more volume than the XC60.

The GLB’s cargo area is larger than the XC60’s in almost every dimension:

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Mercedes service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 4% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The GLB’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLB’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The XC60’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The GLB offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XC60 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 R-Design/Inscription’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.