Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Volvo XC40
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 XC40 opens at $54,990. That makes the Volvo XC40 the more affordable entry point by $3,910.
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 $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLA features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo XC40. The Volvo XC40 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 XC40 responds with a Petrol making 145kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Volvo XC40 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 120kW. 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, 29mm shorter than the Volvo XC40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA and 452L in the Volvo XC40, giving the Volvo XC40 a 17L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo XC40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA and $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs $2,081 (Volvo XC40). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo XC40 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. 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 XC40?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $3,910.
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 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo XC40 has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo XC40 makes the most power at 145kW.
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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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