2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were also introduced for the top three trims, enhancing the Odyssey's aesthetic appeal. The interior of the Odyssey Elite trim was notably upscale, featuring perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, ambient dashboard lighting, and improved seating materials and design. These enhancements, along with the new tri-color floor mats, contributed to a more luxurious feel, positioning the Odyssey Elite as a premium minivan option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a stylish and athletic SUV that fit between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes lineup. Its design was characterized by a taut, attractive stance, aided by a generous 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for various road conditions. The GLB's interior was a modern marvel, with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dashboard and polished metal details in the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen was both elegant and functional, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to high-quality fit and finish. The GLB's interior was further enhanced by a beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips, adding to the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 22 mpg combined, with an average of 21.8 mpg during testing. While all-wheel drive was not available, the Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined for both FWD and AWD versions. The SUV's performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and included the Off-Road Engineering Package for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable, with heated and ventilated options in the Elite trim. Storage space was abundant, although the wireless smartphone charger occupied some space on the center console. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements in seat folding.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a well-sorted cabin with comfortable and adjustable front seats, including heated and ventilated options. The second row was spacious for two adults, with adjustable seatbacks and sliding sections. The optional third row was suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in the five-passenger model and 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in the seven-passenger model. The GLB's interior featured modern amenities, including door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders, meeting expectations for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity options starting with the EX trim. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features, including remote operation and concierge services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, with smartphone integration and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist. Additional advanced options included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and parking assistance.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with expanded capabilities for 2021. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. The ADAS system worked accurately, though not always smoothly, with some room for improvement in adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety innovation was a significant advantage.