2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the brand's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, showcasing Mercedes-Benz's signature design language. The GLB's athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, offering a more forgiving ride over soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash and polished metal details in the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen added elegance, while the cabin's fit and finish were of the high standard expected from Mercedes-Benz.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was elegant and tailored, with short overhangs and crisp body details that emphasized agility. The upright grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, and the Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights added a distinctly Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail in the HVAC vents and cabin textures elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder 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 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger for 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the T8 model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a turbocharger, supercharger, and an 87-hp electric motor for a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant increased output to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided excellent handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV, with 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. The third row, available in the seven-passenger model, was retractable and best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row model to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in the three-row model. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats that excelled in cold weather conditions. The heating system, along with heated seats and defrosters, performed exceptionally well in winter testing. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches. Smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate were standard, while the Premium Package added features like keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package offered augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and function quadrants were intuitive for frequent iPad users, though there was a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality, and the Volvo On Call app offered remote vehicle functions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Optional safety 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, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, which helped reduce hearing loss in a collision. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 boasted a strong safety heritage, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA for certain models. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision avoidance, and a whiplash protection system. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons, and the T8 Polestar Engineered model featured distinctive gold safety belts.