2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2020 Volvo XC90

2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$54,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$54,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$48,350

MSRP

$54,750

Average price

$28,961

Average price

$45,399

Listings

239

Listings

1109

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 Volvo XC90 Reviews Summary

The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews Summary

Redesigned for 2020, the GLE-Class is the second-most-popular Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. It's a midsize luxury SUV in every traditional sense, but because Mercedes has way too much time and money to develop cars, the newest GLE has comfort and technology that border on ridiculous. The GLE Coupe models are brand-new for 2021 and among the strangest vehicles on the planet. Among the eight variants of this big Benz, at least one might fit your lifestyle, if not your budget.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 250 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

26
2020 Volvo XC90
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$54,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Volvo XC90
$48,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
$54,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$48,350
$54,750
Average price
$28,961
$45,399
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.5
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great safety ratings
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
The XC90 has been one of our favorite family shuttles for 18 model years. This 3-row Volvo continues for 2020 as it was during its 2016 redesign, which brought dramatic new design language, chassis architecture, electrified powertrains, infotainment, and semi-automated driving capability. Among midsize SUVs, the XC90 is among the few I would recommend without any hesitation. Families who can afford to splurge will find a stylish and pampering truck that's built upon decades of safety research, which very few automakers can match.
Redesigned for 2020, the GLE-Class is the second-most-popular Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. It's a midsize luxury SUV in every traditional sense, but because Mercedes has way too much time and money to develop cars, the newest GLE has comfort and technology that border on ridiculous. The GLE Coupe models are brand-new for 2021 and among the strangest vehicles on the planet. Among the eight variants of this big Benz, at least one might fit your lifestyle, if not your budget.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 250 hp I4
2.0L 255 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
21
19
MPG Highway
30
26
Look and feel
2020 Volvo XC90
10/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
6/10

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, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the subtle arching shoulder crease emphasized the vehicle's width and stability. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, highlighting Volvo's commitment to simplicity and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a more polarizing design. While the aggressive nose and sloping hood promised something great, the design seemed to lose its way past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like tendencies, but it lacked the pitch-perfect proportions of its competitors. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, but it still couldn't match the visual appeal of rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures, with features like twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede.

Performance
2020 Volvo XC90
7/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
10/10

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 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for such a heavy vehicle. The T6, with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, making it more suitable for keeping up with traffic. The Polestar tune boosted these numbers to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's performance was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. 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 had limited electric range and added weight, which negated its speed advantage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 used a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 featured self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns. The GLE 53 Coupe had an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power with twin-turbo V8 engines. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional horsepower and torque, seamless auto stop-start functionality, and improved fuel efficiency, with the GLE 450 returning 21/26/23 mpg. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and the ability to tow up to 7700 pounds.

Form and function
2020 Volvo XC90
8/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
7/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which was faster and more responsive than previous versions. The system integrated 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 six-seat configuration was available on the T6 and T8 powertrains. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight and suitable for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a roomy two-row configuration with an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats had power controls for recline, fore-aft, and headrest adjustments. The Coupe variant seated five and had less cargo capacity due to its sloping roofline. The new MBUX infotainment system simplified usability with a single touchpad and a more intuitive interface. The GLE's interior featured seat controls on the doors, rocker switches for the suspension, and shortcuts for driving modes on the steering wheel. The ambient lighting, head-up display, and natural voice assistant added to the vehicle's overengineered yet well-executed design.

Technology
2020 Volvo XC90
8/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
10/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The four-zone climate control and the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power were standout features. 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 of competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, Seat Kinetics for automatic seat adjustments, and a natural voice assistant. The head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The navigation system projected the front camera feed with overlay arrows and street names. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous electronic features, made the GLE's technology suite comprehensive and user-friendly.

Safety
2020 Volvo XC90
10/10
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
10/10

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its 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, curtain airbags, and a unique whiplash protection system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for its crash test performance, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for additional protection.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volvo XC90 is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice for its superior design, family-friendly features, and advanced safety systems.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Volvo XC90 is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 8.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Volvo XC90 is the recommended choice for its superior design, family-friendly features, and advanced safety systems.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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