Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volvo EX30
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts from $58,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX30 opens at $59,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $64,790 and $65,989 respectively.
The Volvo EX30 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLA, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo EX30 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 88% for the Volvo EX30.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLA packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Volvo EX30.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 6 in the Volvo EX30.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX30 is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLA measures 4,411mm long on a 2,729mm wheelbase, 178mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLA a 117L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo EX30 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX30). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX30 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX30 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo EX30?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX30 by $1,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo EX30 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX30 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX30 makes the most power at 200kW. The Volvo EX30 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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