2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its styling was almost indistinguishable from its competitors, with a similar "daylight opening" or side window shape. While the CR-V did have some unique features like its grille and chromed plastic accents, it wasn't a vehicle that stood out for its exterior aesthetics. The color options were limited, especially for the base LX trim, which only offered black, silver, and white. Higher trims had slightly more vibrant choices, but finding these colors at dealerships was a challenge.

Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. Higher trims added wood panels and more chrome for an upscale feel. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson provided more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims. Overall, the CR-V's design was functional but not particularly eye-catching.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in its base form, presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined look. However, other GLS models, such as the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach version, offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The Maybach model even included power running boards and a traditional hood ornament.

Inside, the GLS 450's interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The AMG version featured performance-oriented elements like stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats. The Maybach model added reclining rear seats for extra comfort. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard. While the GLS 450's interior was high quality, it might have been too subdued for some, especially with the all-black trim of the test car.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-speed thrills but for smooth and steady acceleration. All nine trims (excluding the hybrid) featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. This performance was competitive within its class, though not exceptional. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a predictable but unengaging driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offered decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 came equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft available from the electric motor in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and powerful performance, making it a perfect fit for a luxury SUV. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners, which detracted from the overall comfort.

Mercedes also offered more powerful GLS models, such as the GLS 580 4Matic, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, all featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The AMG version produced up to 603 hp. All GLS models came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, with the AMG version featuring a performance-tuned drivetrain. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, slightly more than the Toyota RAV4. The CR-V also provided 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it highly practical for carrying luggage. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, from manual to hands-free power tailgates. However, only the top Touring trim came with standard roof rails.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for easier access to the third row. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower the vehicle for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

The base 2021 Honda CR-V LX had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system could be controlled via voice recognition, a touchpad controller, steering wheel touchpads, or the touchscreen itself. While the voice recognition system was effective, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and difficult to use. The graphics were impressive, but the navigation system had some issues, such as suggesting inefficient routes.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. However, it missed the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower scores in the headlight evaluation and updated side crash test. The CR-V's LATCH child safety seat anchoring system received an "Acceptable" rating. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, making advanced safety features standard across all trims. These included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. However, many advanced driver-assistance features were optional, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and second-row side airbags. Optional features included Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.