2021 Honda Passport vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29. The front end showcased the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear handsome yet unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available, although it was not included in the test model. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint revealed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and a Burmester stereo, bringing the total price to $78,370. Despite the extensive list of features, some options like heated and cooled cupholders and soft-close doors seemed excessive. The vehicle's technology package, including the MBUX system and a head-up display, was impressive but added to the overall cost.

The 2021 Honda Passport, essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featured two rows of seats instead of three. The exterior and interior styling closely resembled the Pilot, including the awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each adding progressively more features such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a hands-free liftgate, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Passport's straightforward trim structure meant that all features were neatly packaged without the need for additional options.

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. While the engine provided sufficient power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was competitive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. However, the start-stop system was notably inelegant, and the vehicle's price quickly escalated with additional options.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered strong acceleration and managed power well, although the stop-start system could be abrupt. The vehicle's ride balanced comfort and handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. The Passport's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds for FWD models and up to 5,000 pounds for AWD models.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the configuration, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, a comprehensive HUD, and comfortable seats with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping. However, the steering wheel's position often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided up to 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of under-floor storage was available. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console provided ample storage. The rear seats were spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The system included two 12.3-inch screens, a HUD, and options like augmented reality for navigation. The voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, was less reliable in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often bouncing around the lane and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the inclusion of these features was a positive move, the infotainment system itself had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the standard smartphone connectivity was a distinct advantage over the three-row Pilot.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less reliable at high speeds, often causing the vehicle to sway within the lane and get confused by road conditions.

The 2021 Honda Passport came equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top "Good" scores from IIHS in most crash tests, although it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.