2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and removal of most edges and scalloping contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, albeit unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, allowing for an optional third row, although this feature was not available in the test model. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its design since its 2016 debut. While maintaining traditional Volvo styling features like a boxy profile and blunt front end, the XC90 added character with softer lines, more chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level of the test car featured extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the flashiest of the XC90 trims. The interior embraced “Swedish minimalism” with thoughtfully arranged, nice-looking materials, including matte-finish wood trim and an optional wool upholstery. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end touch, albeit slightly out of place in the otherwise restrained interior.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the A-Class sedan but with significant upgrades, provided ample power at speed but felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price of $56,200 was competitive, but the X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 offered more power and better performance from a stop. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine added supercharging, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite the impressive power figures, the small engine struggled to provide flexibility compared to six-cylinder or V8 engines in competitor SUVs. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, aided by an optional air-suspension system, and the cabin was impressively quiet. The XC90 also had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity, with the base FWD T5 rated at 4,000 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the options, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet available with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, though the lumbar support was challenging to adjust. The steering wheel felt great but often blocked parts of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the bass caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

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 interior felt spacious due to the power moonroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription test car featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. 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 XC90 offered a hands-free power tailgate for convenience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, did not work as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity and functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and built-in WiFi hotspot were easy to use. The portrait-oriented touchscreen allowed for intuitive swiping across menus, although the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the second-row USB-C ports limited front-row charging options. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and HUD were also available.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate driver fatigue, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent cramping. However, the adaptive cruise, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist systems had issues at high speeds, often bouncing around the lane and getting fooled by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 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 combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, providing smooth and quick reactions to other vehicles, although it struggled with gentle highway curves.