2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly longer than the GLA but shorter than the GLC. Despite these differences, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, featuring a taut, athletic stance and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, making it more versatile for soft roads and speed humps.

Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, highlighted by the repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance. The fit and finish were top-notch, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips provided a satisfying tactile experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its debut in 2016, maintaining a recognizable Volvo design while adding more character. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, softened lines, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim level added extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively.

Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism" with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. The matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery provided a natural and unique touch. The Orrefors crystal shifter added a high-end feel, though it seemed out of place in the otherwise restrained interior. The XC90's cabin was spacious and quiet, with excellent ride quality, even with the optional air-suspension system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with 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. 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 an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

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 with standard FWD, with AWD optional, while the T6 and T8 had standard AWD. Despite the impressive 400 hp of the T8, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine to assist even at low speeds. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure (all-electric), Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was limited to low speeds and gentle acceleration.

The XC90 excelled in ride quality and old-school luxury, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth ride and minimal body roll. The cabin was quiet, and the XC90 had a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity (4,000 pounds for the base FWD T5).

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. The third row, available in seven-passenger models, had modest legroom (29.1 inches) and headroom (34.8 inches), making it suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger model, cargo space was 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 seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Headroom and legroom were average for the segment, with the third row being tight for adults. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile gave the interior a spacious feel. Standard four-zone climate control could be enhanced with a filtration system for fine particulate matter.

The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but lacked a power-adjustable steering wheel. Storage space was limited, with a shallow center console storage bin and few console storage options. Cargo space in the T8 Recharge model was 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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen to 10.25 inches each, added keyless go, and offered a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation used a camera feed to superimpose information on the media display. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard USB ports included two front USB-A and two rear USB-C ports. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system and a head-up display (HUD) were available.

The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, allowing for easy swiping across menus. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus difficult while driving. The wireless charging pad added for 2021 was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback for drivers with newer phones.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, 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, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA gave all 2021 XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering.