Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
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 Volvo XC40 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Volvo XC40 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $58,190 and $64,790 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo XC40 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC40 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
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 Volvo XC40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 29mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 452L in the Volvo XC40 and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, 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 $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40 and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Volvo XC40) vs $1,767 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). 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 (Volvo XC40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz'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, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $52,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $6,000.
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.
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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