2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive Volvo elements. The Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue contrasted beautifully with the beige-leather and aluminum interior, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to subtlety and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern yet less aggressive look compared to its competitors. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece, with flowing dash lines and a floating center touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz's move towards larger screens and a minimalist approach was evident, making the GLC's interior the benchmark for compact luxury SUV cabins.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added to the turbocharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's mid-range acceleration was only adequate, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and did not significantly improve fuel economy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLC offered a balanced performance with its Dynamic Select drive modes, providing ample power even in Comfort mode. The steering was precise, and the vehicle handled high-speed turns with confidence. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 hp, while the AMG GLC 63 offered a twin-turbo V8 with up to 503 hp, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous versions, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The XC90 offered generous legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded, and sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo space was smaller, at 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC had a well-designed interior with ample storage options, including a decently sized center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, with good legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel was limited in customization compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight test rating lowered it to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.