2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, contributing to its balanced appearance. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior volume within its narrow and short frame. The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, added a stylish touch to its practical design.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's conservative image with its current-generation design. The XC90 retained Volvo's traditional boxy profile and blunt front end with a rectangular grille but added softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription test car featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest of the XC90 trims. The XC90's design blended traditional Volvo elements with modern touches, creating a more characterful and recognizable look.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 rpm and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless equipped with the optional 4Matic AWD, which optimized grip and performance. The GLB offered a soft, pillowy ride in Comfort mode and a more responsive, sporty feel in Sport mode. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, and the fuel economy fell short of the EPA's 26-mpg estimate, achieving only 21.4 mpg.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 engine was both turbocharged and supercharged, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, producing 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while AWD was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and cabin quietness, but the T8 struggled to balance efficiency and power, with the gasoline engine frequently assisting even at low speeds. The XC90 had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity, though the Lincoln Aviator offered more.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger and more expensive GLC, with an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, large windows, and an available panoramic sunroof. The second-row seat slid forward and back, providing flexibility for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. The second-row seat could fit three people, but two was more comfortable due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The seats in the second and third rows felt hard and lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. The Inscription test car featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry and engine start, and upgraded twin 10.25-inch displays. These displays offered lush graphics, high customization, and fast response. The GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous active parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was a standout feature.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that functioned like a tablet. However, the text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the XC90 only had second-row USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and head-up display were also available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags, blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and an automatic emergency stop assistance system. The GLB had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention tech in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered more standard safety features than most competitors, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist was smooth and quick to react but struggled with highway curves.