2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's design featured a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, giving it a more athletic stance compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, highlighted by 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 top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the overall appeal.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased Volvo's evolution from its boxy past to a more upscale, luxury-oriented brand. The XC90, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, had a poised stance with a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The snub nose and upright grille paid homage to Volvo's classic design. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof and an effective air-conditioning system that performed well even in extreme heat.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD model and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD model. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on the configuration. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering maneuvers. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model had a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model, a plug-in hybrid, combined the supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 FWD model achieved 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD model was rated at 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD model achieved 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 model had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant achieved 26 mpg combined on gasoline, 66 MPGe, and an EV range of up to 36 miles. Charging the battery from empty to full took about five hours at 240 volts (Level 2). The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline in seven stages. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section able to slide six inches. In three-row GLB models, the second row featured an "Easy-Entry" function, allowing it to slide and fold forward with one hand. The third row of seats was retractable, folding flat when not needed. 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 GLB, 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 third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front row of seats was highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, depending on whether captain's chairs with a center console or three-across seating in the second row was selected. The second row featured a one-handed slide and fold function for easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration and powertrain. The interior featured ample storage space, including door pockets, seat back pockets, console storage, and a large glove compartment. The cabin was spacious and airy, with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well even in extreme heat, making the XC90 a comfortable choice for all seasons.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, both standard and available. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system featured new-generation voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, along with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each, and included keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation incorporated graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into live images using a camera in the windshield. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, inductive wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which offered tablet-like functionality with familiar smartphone gestures. However, the system in the test car was glitchy and slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The touchscreen interface was a nine-inch diagonal, portrait-oriented unit mounted in the top portion of the center stack, close to the driver's line of sight. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered easy configuration and customization. The $1,650 Advanced package included a head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade for audiophiles. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports and two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot with a complimentary trial subscription, and the Volvo Care smartphone app with remote lock/unlock function and other vehicle controls.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist with emergency stop assist and active lane change 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. Pre-Safe activated safety measures in the cabin when an imminent rear collision was detected, while Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, reducing hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's commitment to safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist front and rear, rain-sensing wipers with integrated washers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to keep the car in its lane, at a set speed and/or following distance, with minimal driver intervention on highways. The 2022 XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.