2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, with a family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V leaned more towards a station wagon look than a traditional SUV, making it a modern choice for family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with lower-quality plastics. This reminded drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car rather than true premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was a new addition to the extensive Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, positioned between the smaller GLA and larger GLC. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, featuring an attractive and athletic stance. Its 7.9 inches of ground clearance provided a more forgiving ride on soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel, with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details evoking an aerospace vibe. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz's excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V, offering a quick and responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its excellent acceleration, handling, and fuel economy. The FWD CR-V achieved an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 29 mpg, placing it at the top of its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB's performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive enhanced handling and driving feel, making it a wise choice for those venturing off paved roads. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on configuration, and it offered a smooth and predictable power delivery suitable for a family hauler.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both the driver and passengers. The CR-V's seating position and low cowl provided great front visibility. The cargo compartment matched the Volkswagen Tiguan in volume, offering 75.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's center console featured a deep well with a sliding cover, inspired by the Honda Odyssey minivan, providing ample storage for small items. The rear load floor was adjustable, allowing for maximum cargo space or a flat floor with the seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row or three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. The third row, available as an option, was retractable and best suited for children or short trips. The five-passenger GLB provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The seven-passenger version offered 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the first row folded. The GLB's front seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim that lacked features. Higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen, but it still felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. However, the CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with two in the front and two high-powered ports in the backseat. The Touring trim added a wireless phone charger for 2020.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, featuring the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard equipment included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a head-up display.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology such as active brake assist, adaptive braking, crosswind assist, and attention assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.