DecodedCarsMercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs Volvo EX30
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Volvo EX30 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $2,900 a year less in fuel for the Volvo EX30 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 4).
The two cars
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
The 2026 Volvo EX30 is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 167 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,035 lb (4dr SUV Single Motor).
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Volvo EX30 on any measure we track.
Choose the Volvo EX30 if…
- You want an EV with more range (261 miles)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Volvo EX30
- Strong performanceUp to 422 hp, versus about 194 hp for similar 2026 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specs →Full 2026 Volvo EX30 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →