2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design over aesthetics. The GLB prioritized interior volume, highlighted by robust standard roof rails. The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, added style and attitude. Prices started at $36,600, with the tested GLB 250 4Matic priced at $55,890, including numerous options.

Inside, the GLB 250 made drivers feel special, especially with the upgraded dual 10.25-inch screens and optional ambient lighting system. The interior design blended high style with simplicity, though it required acclimation for those unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz. Materials and construction were of high quality, though some metallic trim pieces revealed the vehicle's more affordable status. Overall, the GLB’s interior was a lovely place to spend time, offering a blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended in with other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The grille and some chromed plastic details set it apart slightly, but it wasn't a vehicle bought for its looks. Honda offered the CR-V in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white. Vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic were limited to higher trims. The interior came in black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Higher trims featured wood panels and more chrome for an upscale appearance. The seats had a modern look with sharp details.

Inside and out, the CR-V faced stiff competition from vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling. The CR-V's design was functional, aimed at fitting five people comfortably and carrying their gear. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which optimized grip and performance. The optional adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels provided a soft, pillowy ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. The GLB's unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive, though the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving. Fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid variants. It accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, comparable to its competitors. The CR-V had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that held engine revs constant as the vehicle gained speed, lacking engagement compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The suspension consisted of a MacPherson strut setup in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, providing decent handling and ride quality.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, even more than the larger and more expensive GLC. It could be equipped with an optional third row of seats, a feature unavailable in other Mercedes SUVs except the GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, large windows, and an available panoramic sunroof. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for extra space for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation unless upgraded. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V aimed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. The tailgate varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's design was functional, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry, and twin 10.25-inch displays. These displays offered lush graphics, high customization, and fast response. The GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, and the Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was also available.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging. The Special Edition and EX trims had a 180-watt audio system with six speakers, while the EX-L had eight speakers. The Touring trim had a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the CR-V, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. The GLB had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It did not receive the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's approach to safety was to make advanced features standard across all trims, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim upwards.