2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome accents, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a unique touch, enhancing the vehicle's character while maintaining its Volvo identity. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offered a more subtle and less flashy exterior compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover. The GLS lineup included models with varying degrees of visual drama, such as the AMG GLS 63 with its muscular grille and the chrome-laden Maybach version. Inside, the GLS 450's interior was luxurious yet understated, featuring leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, although the suspension's lack of refinement detracted from the overall luxury experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque with a turbocharged engine. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors, achieving a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided a smooth ride and impressive quietness, its small engine struggled with acceleration, especially in all-electric mode. The XC90's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, though it lagged behind some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, supported by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered smooth performance, but the suspension lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, resulting in excessive body motion. The GLS 450 boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, surpassing the XC90 but falling short of some rivals.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration. While headroom and legroom were average, the third row felt cramped for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured a power moonroof and four-zone climate control, enhancing the sense of space and comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide to increase legroom, providing the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space measured 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS included power-folding seats and a power tailgate, although some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen's reach, detracted from its functionality.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system's portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the lack of physical controls and small wireless charging pad were drawbacks. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, but the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation found in other Mercedes models, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.