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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs Volvo EX30

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class vs 2026 Volvo EX30 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Special Purpose Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 1Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class wins 3 of 4 categories
Volvo EX30

2026 Volvo EX30

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,200 a year less in fuel for the Volvo EX30 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the bigger car, about 7 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 4).

The two cars

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a special purpose vehicle offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 174 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,869 lb (Amg 35 4matic 4dr SUV AWD).

The 2026 Volvo EX30 is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 167 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,035 lb (4dr SUV Single Motor).

Basics

Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
26 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
261 mi
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$650

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
422 hp
–
Seats (most)
5
173.6 in
Length
166.5 in
72 in
Width
72.4 in
62.6 in
Height
61 in
3,671 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,035 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
2
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
4
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
3

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
5,187

Buying used

2024
Best used year
–
–
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if…

  • You want more room (7 in longer)

Choose the Volvo EX30 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (261 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (7 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Volvo EX30

  • Strong performanceUp to 422 hp, versus about 194 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class specs →Full 2026 Volvo EX30 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →