2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim added a blacked-out, honeycomb grille, black window surrounds, mirrors, a more aggressive chin spoiler, and striking 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive features that emphasized the vehicle's width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint, paired with a beige-leather and aluminum interior, created a stunning visual contrast. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's craftsmanship, with luxurious materials and thoughtful details like the Swedish flag tag on the front passenger seat and a twist-action ignition knob.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, with its boxy and tall design, prioritized function over form. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLB's design included a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate, ensuring visual symmetry. The AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels added a dose of style and attitude. The GLB's interior blended high style with simplicity, featuring dual 10.25-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens, ambient cabin lighting, and MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The materials and construction exhibited the quality expected of the brand, though some metallic trim pieces revealed their cost-saving mission.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's mid-range acceleration was good but not exceptional, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but the added weight negated the speed benefits, and the fuel economy was only slightly better at 27 mpg combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The GLB accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, feeling faster due to the engine's wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip and performance, with an Off-Road driving mode for maximum traction. The GLB's adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels provided a soft, comfortable ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging driving experience in Sport mode. The GLB's brakes, however, faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, and the fuel economy fell short of the EPA's 26-mpg estimate, averaging 21.4 mpg.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system initialized faster and responded more quickly than previous models. The system housed all climate controls within the touchscreen, with physical buttons for defrosters, volume, and seek controls. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom and comfort in the first and second rows, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children only. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, easily accommodating four adults in comfort. The optional third row, unavailable in the test vehicle, provided additional seating flexibility. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for extra space for third-row passengers or more cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation. The GLB's cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and 62 cubic feet with the seat folded down, providing ample storage capacity.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system offered natural voice recognition, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. 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 provided excellent audio quality.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced safety systems.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Enhancements to the Pre-Safe technology included rear-impact preparation and ear damage protection at the moment of impact. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.