2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured a smoother and less angular design compared to its predecessors. All the sharp lines and scalloping were softened, which improved its drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a leader in its class according to Mercedes. The most notable visual change was its handsome yet unoffensive front end. Inside, the GLE-Class felt luxurious, offering extra headroom and an extended wheelbase resulting in more legroom, plus the possibility of an optional third row for adults up to 5’10”. However, the special Emerald Green Metallic paint revealed an unexpected orange-peel effect that detracted from its high-end appearance. The GLE 350's starting price was $53,700, inclusive of specific high-end features, but the add-ons like black leather upholstery, Air Balance Package, and multi-contour seats—along with a litany of other options—quickly increased the price to $78,370.

The 2020 Honda CR-V sported a design that, although unchanged since 2017, remained familiar and engaging. Its curvy, station wagon-like appearance shared a family resemblance with Honda's sedan lineup, creating a stylish and functional look suitable for modern family transportation. Inside, the CR-V's mix of materials varied in quality, with attractive wood-look trim and leather contrasts against cheaper plastics. Despite some discord, the CR-V's cabin design successfully maximized functional space at a starting price of $26,270. The top trims, like the Touring, offered features such as a retractable moonroof and leather seating, remaining practical and comfortable without superfluous luxury.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine similar to the A-Class, but with significantly more power—255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine performed admirably at speed, it suffered from noticeable turbo lag from a stop, likely due to the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound curb weight. The GLE's start-stop system was notably inelegant, diminishing overall drivability despite the smooth and powerful nature of the engine at speed. Fuel economy was competitive with AWD models achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V simplified its lineup by standardizing the previously optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this engine felt well-suited to the CR-V's lightweight frame. The nimble handling and car-like road manners complemented its 3,337-pound curb weight, ensuring acceleration and handling remained brisk and responsive. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving a combined 30 mpg and AWD models 29 mpg, outperforming many competitors in its class.

The extended wheelbase of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class significantly improved its interior space. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, and cargo capacity ranged from 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Dual 12.3-inch screens dominated the dashboard, contributing to a modern and customizable interior layout. Comfort features included the “Seat Kinetics” system, although the steering wheel's position proved to be a minor ergonomic flaw for some drivers, potentially obstructing screen visibility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in maximizing interior space without compromising its compact dimensions, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the larger Volkswagen Tiguan. Smart solutions like a low cowl for improved forward visibility and adjustable center console storage mirrored the efficiency found in Honda's Odyssey minivan. Cargo versatility was impressive with a two-position load floor enabling either a flat load surface or maximum cubic space, totaling 75.8 cubic feet when seats were down. Additionally, the CR-V's comprehensive storage facilities, such as expansive door pockets and concealed compartments, ensured practical utility for everyday use.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class introduced the MBUX infotainment system, a cutting-edge interface praised for its depth and innovation but initially overwhelming. Dual 12.3-inch screens, alongside an optional head-up display (HUD), facilitated features like augmented reality navigation, though it could be distracting. Voice control and steering-wheel-mounted touchpads enhanced user interaction, despite some pre-production issues impacting functionality. Advanced driver-assistance tech, although better than some rivals, still exhibited imperfections, particularly at higher speeds.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment was dated and underwhelming. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch screen offering minimal connectivity options, while higher trims upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen still lagging behind competitors. Honda's system lacked hard buttons, complicating usage, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations felt poorly executed. Nevertheless, the CR-V provided ample USB ports and introduced a wireless charger for the Touring trim, accommodating device connectivity and charging requirements.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class did not have current testing data available from the NHTSA or IIHS, but its extensive suite of autonomous safety systems, including Attention Assist and “Seat Kinetics,” promised a formidable safety profile. Nevertheless, the driver-assistance package struggled with lane-keeping precision and often conflicted with user inputs at higher speeds, reducing its reliability under certain conditions.

Conversely, the 2020 Honda CR-V shined in safety, with the Honda Sensing system as standard across all trims. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. NHTSA awarded the CR-V five stars overall, and the IIHS designated it a Top Safety Pick, albeit with reservations regarding the halogen headlights on lower trims. The Touring trim's LED headlights provided notably better illumination, enhancing nighttime visibility.