2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a unique aesthetic with its boxy and tall design, distinguishing it from other small Mercedes SUVs. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform, it offered the option of the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle's design featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate, creating a symmetrical look with equal front and rear overhangs. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior space within its compact dimensions, and came standard with robust roof rails. The test model, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, added a stylish flair to its practical design.

Inside, the GLB exuded a sense of luxury typical of Mercedes-Benz, especially with the upgraded dual 10.25-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment. The ambient lighting system enhanced the cabin's ambiance, with turbine-style air vents glowing in color. The interior design combined high style with simplicity, though it required some acclimation for those unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz's unique controls, such as the column-mounted transmission shifter. While some metallic trim pieces revealed the vehicle's more affordable status within the brand, the GLB's interior remained a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar look with minor updates for the model year, including a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and new wheel designs for the top trims modernized its appearance. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, an Elite trim in Lunar Silver Metallic, featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, elevating its luxury appeal.

The Odyssey's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with logical controls and ample storage. The Elite trim included a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome, despite improvements for easier removal.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB was available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 rpm and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though the vehicle felt quicker due to its wide torque band and responsive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB's front-wheel-drive setup could be upgraded to 4Matic AWD, which automatically distributed power to the rear wheels for optimal grip. An Off-Road mode locked the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split for maximum traction.

The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft ride in Comfort mode, ideal for city and highway driving. Switching to Sport mode tightened the suspension and enhanced the turbo powertrain's responsiveness. Despite its modest engine specifications, the GLB offered an engaging driving experience, particularly on winding roads. However, the brakes faded prematurely during spirited driving, limiting its performance potential. The fuel economy averaged 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 21.8 mpg.

While AWD was unavailable, the Odyssey's new electronic brake booster supported stop-and-go low-speed following for adaptive cruise control, enhancing brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave, suggesting a need for a braking component upgrade.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered impressive interior space, with dimensions larger than the more expensive GLC. An optional third row of seats was available, a feature unique to the GLB among Mercedes SUVs aside from the GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows for excellent visibility. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for flexible space allocation between passengers and cargo.

The front seats provided power adjustment, though heating and ventilation were optional. The second-row seat was best suited for two passengers due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the seats folded, thanks to the traditional SUV roofline.

The Honda Odyssey's interior was designed for practicality, with clear instrumentation, logical controls, and abundant storage. The Elite trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with inboard armrests, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile configurations, while the third-row seats comfortably accommodated both children and adults.

Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome, despite improvements for easier removal.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, priced at $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays, enhancing the infotainment experience with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk, while Elite trim included an 11-speaker sound system and wireless charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it lacked touchscreen functionality.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and evasive steering assistance. However, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, with NHTSA awarding it top five-star ratings in most assessments. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective than a vibration.