2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, functionality, technology, and safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$53,700

Average price

$24,256

Average price

$39,822

Listings

96

Listings

916
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Frustrating safety tech
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Sluggish performance

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews Summary

Mercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

27
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$53,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more well-rounded choice, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, functionality, technology, and safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$53,700
Average price
$24,256
$39,822
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.7
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Frustrating safety tech
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Sluggish performance
Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

Mercedes-Benz refers to the 2020 GLE-Class as a “second-generation model.” But savvy students of car culture will remember that the GLE-Class is actually a renamed M-Class, meaning this is actually a fourth-generation model that’s been in production since 1997. It has a legacy to uphold, and because of that, it’s just as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect. A longer wheelbase means more room inside, and the new MBUX infotainment system may be the best on the market. But this doesn’t mean the GLE-Class is walking away with all the laurels. Sharing a segment with the BMW X5—itself redesigned for 2019—means the GLE-Class is up against some tough competition. And with the usual luxury pricing structure in place, things can get expensive very easily.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
23
20
MPG Highway
33
27
Look and feel
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is rated 8 out of 10. The XC40 boasts standout styling, a spacious interior, and a range of trims with well-equipped standard features. The GLE-Class offers a smoother design, increased headroom, and optional third-row seating.
Performance
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 7 out of 10. The XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and well-weighted steering. The GLE 350 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, offering ample power but exhibiting moments of turbo lag.
Form and function
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 receives a rating of 9 out of 10, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is rated 8 out of 10. The XC40 impresses with its smart use of space, ample backseat legroom, and innovative storage solutions. The GLE-Class offers a spacious second row and a striking interior design dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens.
Technology
2019 Volvo XC40
8/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
6/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 8 out of 10 for technology, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class scores 6 out of 10. The XC40 features a large touchscreen with a portrait layout, seamless integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available Harman Kardon sound system. The GLE-Class boasts the impressive MBUX infotainment system, comprehensive driver-assistance tech, and dual 12.3-inch screens.
Safety
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
5/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 7 out of 10 for safety, while the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class scores 5 out of 10. The XC40 comes standard with a full array of safety features, including City Safe automatic braking and optional driver-assistance systems. The GLE-Class offers an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems, but exhibits some challenges at higher speeds.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE
7/10
Both the 2019 Volvo XC40 and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class receive a rating of 7 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The XC40 offered a subscription-based ownership model and a range of trims with varying prices. The GLE 350 4Matic presented a competitive starting price, but that could quickly escalate with optional packages and features.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.