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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs Volvo XC90

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2026 Volvo XC90 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 0Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class wins 3 of 3 categories
Volvo XC90

2026 Volvo XC90

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Volvo XC90 is the bigger car, about 10 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 28).

The two cars

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,244 lb (300 4matic 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Volvo XC90 is a standard SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 196 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,449 lb (4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2024 GLC-Class and the 2018 XC90 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 XC90.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

27 MPG
Best combined MPG
27 MPG
24 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
$3,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,050

Performance & space

–
Horsepower (most powerful)
455 hp
–
Seats (most)
7
185.8 in
Length
195.7 in
74.4 in
Width
79.1 in
63 in
Height
70.1 in
4,244 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,449 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
13
0
Recalls (2026)
1
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
28
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
8

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
17,920

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2018
–
Year to avoid
2016

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if…

  • You want something easier to park (10 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 28 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Volvo XC90 if…

  • You want more room (10 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-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 XC90

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 standard SUV (20 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 455 hp, versus about 335 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class specs →Full 2026 Volvo XC90 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →