The 2022 Mercedes GLA is a huge upgrade over its predecessor while the Volvo XC40 is the first time Volvo ventured into the serious luxury subcompact SUV segment. It’s safe to say that Volvo’s first attempt is a lot better since the XC40 does best the GLA in certain areas.
The Mercedes GLA is more desirable, better looking inside and out, but it loses when it comes to practicality and space. The XC40 nails the SUV essentials while the GLA sits on a fence between a raised-up hatchback and a true SUV.
Volvo is known for its superior safety ratings and great all-around driving characteristics. The XC40 is a better family car but the GLA is more youthful and more luxurious. Both of these are amazing SUVs that should satisfy even the most demanding customers.
All in all, the GLA is the pick between the two because it feels more daring and more luxurious. A Mercedes badge also enjoys a more premium reception, especially when you consider that the XC40 costs more than the GLA in certain comparable trim levels.
2022 Mercedes Benz GLA – The most desirable subcompact luxury SUV
The 2022 Mercedes Benz GLA starts at around $36,320 for the 2.0l in-line 4-cylinder turbo engine that pushes out 221hp and 258lb-ft of torque. If you pay an additional $2000 you can equip the GLA with the Mercedes 4MATIC AWD system which makes the GLA more capable in adverse weather conditions.
The GLA looks a lot more futuristic and more daring than the XC40 both inside and out. No matter which trim level you go for you are likely going to feel more impressed with the GLA. The GLA offers a more sophisticated infotainment system and better overall interior quality.
The GLA also offers a comfortable ride which is better than all other luxury subcompact SUVs on the market. The GLA is available with the AMG trim and more powerful engines which make the GLA a lot more dynamic and exciting to drive.
However, you will have to pay more than $55,000 if you want a decently equipped top-of-the-line GLA AMG 45.
2022 Volvo XC40 – A great all-around subcompact SUV
The Volvo XC40 starts at around $34,100 with a 2.0l 4-cylinder engine with either 187hp and 221lb-ft of torque or a more potent 2.0l 4-cylinder engine with 248hp and 258lb-ft of torque. The 187hp version comes with FWD while the 248hp version comes with AWD as standard.
If you want AWD and more power you will have to spend at least $36,100 which means that entry-level XC40 models do cost a tad bit less than the GLA. However, if you move up the range and pick all the desirable options, the XC40 can actually cost quite a bit more than the GLA.
The XC40 does offer better SUV essentials which means that it is more practical and way easier to use. The overall driving experience is not as comfortable but it does feel more SUV-ish. A performance version of the XC40 does exist but it can’t match GLA AMG models.
Overall, the XC40 just feels more ordinary and less exciting than the GLA. The GLA is a lot more youthful and it gathers way more interest than the XC40. If you want to fly completely under the radar while enjoying a luxurious driving experience, the XC40 is perfect for you.
Conclusion – The Mercedes Benz GLA is a better car
Both of these subcompact SUVs are bought because of their luxury credentials and that’s where the GLA takes the victory. It simply feels more upmarket, exciting, and luxurious. That’s not to say that the XC40 does not feel upmarket, yet that it rather feels a bit boring in comparison.
However, if you have a family you are better off with the XC40 because it is more practical and Volvo’s legendary safety is also something you want in a family car. Performance-wise, the GLA also takes the cake as AMG models are often even twice as powerful as some XC40 models.
The Mercedes badge is a lot more desirable and most people deem the GLA to look better in every department. Efficiency-wise, they are almost identical which means that the greatest differences are luxury, comfort, space, and the badge.
The XC40 is more practical, but the GLA simply offers more of everything and it looks more upmarket.
FAQ Section
Is the Mercedes GLA more reliable than the Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 does seem to have a slightly better-predicted reliability result when compared to the GLA. However, this only makes sense if both of these are being maintained correctly and with equally skilled mechanics.
The reliability differences are so marginal that it makes little to no sense to even compare these two. However, Volvo cars tend to cost more to fix because they are a little bit more complex in most cases. Either way, both of these hold an above-average reliability result while still delivering an abundance of luxury.
Does the Mercedes Benz GLA hold value better than the Volvo XC40?
The Mercedes Benz GLA is the most desirable subcompact luxury SUV on the market which means that the overall demand for the GLA is consistently strong. The XC40 is also a relatively popular subcompact luxury SUV, but it can’t match the GLA.
As such, the GLA does hold value better than the XC40, especially if equipped with all the necessary options. The XC40 is also a subcompact luxury SUV that holds its value fairly well, but the GLA is way more popular thus holds its value better.
Is the Mercedes Benz GLA more efficient than the Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is rated at 22MPG in the city and 30MPG on the highway while the GLA offers 22MPG in the city and 29MPG on the highway. This means that both of these offer impressive efficiency results considering that their engines offer more than 200hp each.
Virtually all luxury subcompact SUVs offer a 2.0l 4-cylinder engine with around 200hp. That’s why they are so closely matched in all engine-related data including efficiency, maintenance costs, and sophistication.
