Volvo vs. Mercedes Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
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Over the years, we’ve noticed that many drivers prefer Volvos to Mercedes when it comes to reliability.
Volvo is an excellent definition of simplicity, improved designs, added value, and an amazingly low price. Volvo offers more reliability than Mercedes, which the Germans will need extra work to beat on a larger scale.
Volvo is more reliable than Mercedes because it has a low maintenance cost and better performance than Mercedes. This does not mean Mercedes is a terrible option.
Table of Contents
Volvo vs. Mercedes Reliability
Here’s a detailed review of the Volvo vs. Mercedes reliability comparison and why Volvo is more reliable.
| Features | Volvo | Mercedes |
| Design | Simple design. | Class: a good definition of luxury. |
| Repairs and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Durability | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Technology | ||
| Safety |
Which Is Better Between Volvo and Mercedes?
Volvo is more reliable than Mercedes. Volvo ranked 16 in 2020 on the reliability test with a high-ranking score of 98.3%. Sitting in the 17th position of 32 car brands, with a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, Volvo has a higher reliability rating than Mercedes.
This is compared to Mercedes, which has a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 and ranked 27th out of 32 vehicle models.
With a Volvo, you have a lower chance of repairs and maintenance. Volvo cars boast an average of 0.5 visits to a repair shop and a 9% probability of severe damage. This is lower than Mercedes, which has a 0.7 average visit and a 13% chance of severe damage.
In an overall comparison, we are confused beyond reasonable doubt that Volvo prioritizes safety and durability while Mercedes prioritizes design.
Most times, your choice might come down to the individual. With Volvo, you are assured of power, strength, and durability, but you can go for Mercedes if you are a fan of flashy cars.
Mercedes has a good sense of luxury; you can notice this at first glance. It has sleek styling, superb infotainment, and great speed.
On the other hand, Volvo has an impressive ability to withstand pressure, resistance to damage over extensive use, and not easily give in to failure. On an overall scale, Volvo provides more safety features than Mercedes.
Nevertheless, you must understand that there are rugged Mercedes models with good strength that perfectly handle the worst situations and extreme driving conditions. They also have good safety features, like the anti-lock braking system. Albeit, they're few.
Mercedes’ are great for speed and sporty feel, and Volvo is a great option when strength and durability are the primary concern.
Gas Mileage
Volvo and Mercedes present excellent fuel economy and gas mileage. The comparison for gas mileage on the two brands centers on their different models.
The Mercedes-Benz C-class, GLA model, CLA, E, and A class are production's most fuel-efficient Mercedes models. The Mercedes C-Class features a gas mileage of 64.2 mpg, with the C300 e and C 300 de that runs on a hybrid technology hitting impressive heights with fuel economy.
The Mercedes GLA returns 49.6mpg, Mercedes-Benz CLA electric achieves up to 44 miles on a full charge. The E and A Mercedes classes juggle 62.8mpg and 56.5-58.9 mpg, respectively.
Volvo hits impressive MPG as a fuel-efficient car. We have the Volvo S60, V90, S90, V60, XC90, XC60, T8, and T6 twin-engine, from 134.5 mpg to as high as 141.2 mpg.
We cannot deny that these cars are hybrid or electric. However, there are regular Volvos with petrol engines, like the Volvo XC90, returning a gas mileage of 84.677mpg.
Winner: Both
Design
Volvo’s design is specifically made to handle challenging and uneven terrains. There are skid plates that work for safeguarding the car against collision and a reinforced body shell for superior strength. In place of safety and body strength, Mercedes features a flashy and attractive body design.
Both car brands feature an all-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive system. The differences in design lie in the design initiative of both manufacturers.
Mercedes are a great definition of luxury with designs that stand out. Volvo doesn’t seem to care about pulling the crowd’s attention. They keep it simple and unique. Volvo maintains plain designs but lends its designs with durability.
Some of Volvo's models come with special composite tires. Its wheel strength design also keeps on the go for long hours. In contrast, most Mercedes tires are made with simple and good polymeric materials that should function just well enough.
Mercedes are the type of car you will want to drive to an event, and everyone turns to scream, “Hey, that’s a beauty! Which brand is that?”
Winner: Mercedes
Cost Of Maintenance And Repair
The cost of maintenance and repair is cheaper with Volvo compared to Mercedes.
The average annual repair and maintenance cost for Volvo is $769. This is cheaper than Mercedes, which has an annual repair cost of $908.
With a Volvo, you have a lesser chance of going for repairs, unlike Mercedes. However, these conditions significantly lie in your driving conditions and maintenance culture.
Volvos are naturally built to handle the worst hurdles and extreme conditions. But, this does not mean you should take them for a mud ride if they are not explicitly made for that.
Winner: Volvo
Durability
The standards for reliability standards are not complete if the car is not durable. It is no news that Volvos are more durable than Mercedes.
Some users describe Volvo as a car that lasts for eternity. We believe there is no lie in this statement. Volvos feature a strong frame, reinforced body, and high-quality materials that make them go the extra mile to last long.
On average, Volvos last for as long as 200,000 to 250,000 miles with about 20 years of thorough usage. This is pretty impressive as it goes higher than Mercedes, whose durability ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 miles with 10 years of regular usage.
Volvo’s increased longevity does not mean that Mercedes are below quality. With Hood hinges, Windshield wipers, door quality, to overall car structure, Mercedes has a reputation for building solid cars that you can rely on.
The only problem is that if you place them on a head-to-head comparison with Volvos, Volvos outperform them in durability.
Winner: Volvo
Technology
These two car brands are built on specific technologies that enhance each feature to operate out of the ordinary functionality of the average car. It isn’t easy to place one above the other. Mercedes and Volvo have impressive technology packages.
For example, Mercedes has an active stop-and-go technology that helps it to distance itself from the cars in front of it. There's also the exit warning function and cross-traffic function. This is also present in Volvo.
This way, the car brakes on sensing incoming traffic or collision. This is without forgetting the Volvo Auto-pilot system that helps you in lane-keeping, consistent speed, and distance between you and the next car in front of you.
Mercedes has the Energizing coach, fully variable 4-MATIC, and several other technologies. Volvos uses safety technology, especially for its hybrid and electric vehicles.
There is a sensor navigation system, Volvo's Android and Apple CarPlay plus, driver’s autonomy, and traffic control.
Winner: Both
Safety
The safety and security features of Mercedes and Volvo cars lie in the individual models and years of these cars.
The Mercedes Benz 2021 EQS earned a Euro NCAP five-star overall safety rating in a crash test. Similarly, Volvo has multiple five-star ratings across its different years of production, earning the IIHS Top Pick rating in 2021.
Volvo is dubbed the safest car in the world, but some drivers believe otherwise. We believe Volvo is one of the safest cars, but there’s a twist in this story.
Mercedes invented most of the safety features that most cars integrate into its system. With crumple zones, airbag technology, ABS braking systems, and seatbelt tensioners, Mercedes pioneered introducing these safety systems.
There is no way that they will take the lead in introducing these safety systems without having impressive safety supports.
We wouldn’t be quick to conclude that Volvo is safer than Mercedes. Both cars are reliable when it comes to safety.
Winner: Both
