2020 Honda Passport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a refreshed exterior with a new front fascia, featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, reminiscent of the A-Class and CLS-Class. Despite these updates, the GLC 300 model was often perceived as lacking visual excitement, especially when compared to competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. The AMG versions, however, added a touch of drama with their wide tires and distinctive grille. The interior of the GLC was a standout, offering one of the best in the industry with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen and an updated steering wheel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport followed Honda's traditional design approach, offering a practical and rugged exterior that positioned it between the CR-V and Pilot. The Passport's design suggested a more athletic and capable vehicle, with features like a scratch-resistant grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Passport provided a sophisticated cabin with a mix of durable and soft-touch materials. The Elite trim offered luxurious features such as heated and ventilated seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The interior design emphasized spaciousness and comfort, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered improved performance over previous models, though it still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered an impressive 385 horsepower, providing a thrilling driving experience. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling were criticized for being vague and lacking precision. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth performance in various driving conditions. The Passport's fuel economy was slightly lower, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The AWD models performed slightly worse. The Passport excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like torque-vectoring AWD and multiple drive modes. It also offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing many of its rivals.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with the MBUX system providing a user-friendly interface. The interior was spacious enough for four adults, though the backseat adjustment process was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded. The GLC's interior was well-crafted, but its practicality was somewhat compromised by its design choices.

The 2020 Honda Passport was praised for its practicality, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The interior featured comfortable seats with height-adjustable seatbelts and three LATCH connections for child seats. The Passport provided 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional under-floor storage. The SUV's interior was designed for convenience, with features like tri-zone climate control and a power liftgate. The Passport excelled in small-item storage, with a spacious center console and additional storage spaces throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system offered advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While some features were considered ahead of their time, the system was generally well-received. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports, with optional wireless charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes.

The 2020 Honda Passport's infotainment system varied by trim level, with the base model featuring a 5.0-inch display and higher trims offering an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was practical and easy to use, with features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered additional features like a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was recognized for its safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured advanced safety technologies like Exit Warning Assist and Pre-Safe Sound, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2020 Honda Passport also prioritized safety, earning good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included features like collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.