2020 Honda Passport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a refined and softened exterior, with smoother lines and reduced edges, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29. This change, while subtle, was claimed by Mercedes to make it a class leader. The front end showcased the most noticeable transformation, offering a handsome yet unoffensive appearance. Inside, the GLE continued this theme of refinement, providing extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension. This allowed for an optional third row, a first for a midsize Mercedes SUV, although its comfort for adults remained unverified. The interior was luxurious, with options like black leather upholstery and a multi-contour seat with a massage feature, though some features like heated and ventilated seats required additional costs. The GLE's paint quality, however, was marred by an orange-peel effect, which was disappointing given the premium price.

The 2020 Honda Passport followed Honda's traditional design ethos, offering a practical and rugged exterior that positioned it between the CR-V and Pilot. The Passport's styling suggested a more athletic and off-road capable vehicle, with features like a matte black grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Passport was sophisticated yet utilitarian, with a cabin that mirrored the Honda Pilot's design. The Elite trim offered perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. The interior emphasized spaciousness, with a button-heavy shifting mechanism that conserved space. The Passport's design was familiar to Honda enthusiasts, providing comfort and practicality without unnecessary reinvention. Lower trims offered packages to enhance features, while the Elite trim came fully loaded with advanced amenities.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while smooth and powerful at speed, suffered from turbo lag and sluggishness from a stop, likely due to the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as refined as competitors like the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was commendable, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, though the BMW X5 offered more power with similar efficiency.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided sufficient power for various driving conditions, though fuel economy was less impressive. Front-wheel-drive models achieved 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined, while all-wheel-drive versions slightly underperformed. The Passport excelled in diverse terrains, maintaining performance at high elevations and offering smooth highway passing. The Elite trim's torque-vectoring all-wheel drive enhanced stability, especially on winding roads, and the Passport's off-road capabilities were surprising for its class. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE benefited from an extended wheelbase, providing ample space in the second row. Depending on configuration, it offered 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel's position often obstructed the screen, and the upgraded stereo caused unwanted vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Honda Passport was defined by practicality, offering a right-sized design that provided good visibility and spacious seating for four adults. The interior featured height-adjustable seatbelts, three LATCH connections, and comfortable seats similar to those in the Pilot and Odyssey. The Passport excelled in cargo space, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. A power liftgate was standard, and the SUV's elevated stance resulted in a high load floor. The Passport's small-item storage was impressive, with a large center console and additional shelf space in the doors. The interior materials were easy to clean, though piano black trim required frequent dusting.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display. The system was deep and initially daunting but offered advanced features like augmented reality navigation. The steering-wheel controls were intuitive, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the voice control system was less effective than in other Mercedes models, attributed to the pre-production status of the test vehicle.

The 2020 Honda Passport's base Sport model came with a 5.0-inch display, while higher trims featured an 8.0-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The larger screen was responsive, with easy-to-navigate options. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a 10-speaker system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The dashboard design, borrowed from the Pilot, appeared dated but remained functional.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked testing data from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of autonomous safety features. Attention Assist monitored driver fatigue, while adaptive cruise, auto braking, and lane-keep assist were available. However, the system struggled at high speeds, causing lane swaying and confusion with road shadows.

The 2020 Honda Passport received good scores from IIHS and NHTSA, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. While lacking some advanced technologies found in competitors, the Passport's safety features were well-suited for most drivers.