Volvo XC90 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volvo XC90 leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2016–2027
Volvo XC90
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 43 configurations
2016–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 92 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volvo XC90 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 26 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,800 ✓ | $3,150 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 131 g/mi | 99 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2016–2027 | 2016–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 43 | 92 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
XC90 vs GLE-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volvo XC90 or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Volvo XC90 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volvo XC90 runs about $2,800 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,150 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the XC90 and GLE-Class offer?
Volvo XC90: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volvo XC90 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: volvo-xc90-vs-mercedes-benz-gle-class