2021 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 featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, 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 signature elements that made the XC90 instantly recognizable. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, fit neatly between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared the brand's DNA, resulting in an attractive, athletic stance. With 7.9 inches of ground clearance, it offered a more forgiving ride on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, with a beefy steering wheel adding to the overall appeal.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune further boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not without flaws, including lag in Comfort mode and high revs in the Polestar Engineered model. Fuel economy was also 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 was weighed down by its hybrid system, resulting in only a slight improvement in fuel economy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for the FWD model, and 23/31/26 for the AWD version. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB managed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for those planning to drive in various conditions. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, added features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system had improved in speed and responsiveness, crucial for accessing climate controls and other functions embedded in the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available only on the T6 and T8 powertrains. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was suitable only for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. The third row, available as an option, was retractable and suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. Cargo space varied significantly between configurations, with the five-passenger model offering 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The seven-passenger model provided 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front and second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

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, offering an immersive audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen made navigation easier, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could be reskinned but lacked the customization options found in competitors like Audi and Mercedes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included augmented reality for navigation and traffic-sign assist. Additional advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance with surround view, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though the latter's 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 innovative systems like curtain airbags and whiplash protection.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, which emitted a brief interference signal to trigger a protective reflex in the human ear.