2021 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a modern yet somewhat uninspired exterior design. It featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, drawing inspiration from the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights housed square LEDs, but the overall look remained largely unchanged from previous models unless directly compared. While the GLC Coupe added some flair with its fastback roof, the standard GLC 300 lacked visual excitement, especially when compared to competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. Despite its high price tag, the GLC's beige paint and 18-inch wheels made it blend into parking lots, lacking the standout appeal one might expect from a luxury SUV.

Inside, the GLC excelled with one of the best interiors in its class. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was more impressive in person, with a seamless flow from the air vents to the leather padding and metal speaker covers. The fit and finish were impeccable, and the new 10.3-inch touchscreen added a modern touch. The steering wheel, shared with the E-Class, featured more buttons and a thicker, softer feel. The interior's quality and the advanced MBUX system made the GLC's cabin a highlight, despite its exterior shortcomings.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, maintained a design that blended in with the compact crossover crowd. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chrome accents. The CR-V offered eight color options, though many were variations of gray, black, and white. Vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic were rare on dealer lots, making it challenging to find a CR-V in a standout hue. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and options for wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. While not the most visually striking, the CR-V's design focused on practicality and comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it offered improved performance over previous models, holding gears longer and downshifting earlier. However, it still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3 and Honda Accord in terms of engine refinement. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating performance and a thrilling exhaust note. The AMG GLC 63 models offered even more power with a twin-turbo V8, but the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, lacking the precision and stability expected from a Mercedes. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, offering smooth and steady acceleration. It reached 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with modern Mercedes vehicles. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, became intuitive with practice. The GLC provided enough room for four adults, though the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, falling short of competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible through various tailgate options, including a hands-free version on the Touring trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, accommodating five passengers and their belongings with ease.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the advanced MBUX system, offering augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While some features were ahead of their time, they were not fully integrated, leading to limited functionality. The GLC included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless charging. An Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes, though the GLC was not intended for serious off-road use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the base LX, which had a 5-inch screen. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with features like Exit Warning Assist and Pre-Safe Sound enhancing its safety credentials. The GLC's advanced safety systems, including predictive brake priming, set it apart from many competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. While it didn't achieve the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test scores, it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features through the Honda Sensing system. This included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, making it a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.