2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and generous polished brightwork, had a design that reminded some of an athletic sneaker from a front three-quarter perspective. Mercedes shelved many of its V8-powered models for 2022, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with a base price of $77,800, not including the $1,050 destination charge. The test vehicle, loaded with options, pushed the MSRP to over $100,000. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe was as sumptuous as expected, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design, Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim. Ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night, while the interior design masked the vehicle’s complexity, requiring time to acclimate to its technology.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel conservation, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, and an observed average of 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use well, suffering from fade during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine included EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for extra power and fuel conservation, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving and an observed average of 18.5 mpg. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe had a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system enhanced performance. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes maximized performance. The GLE Coupe’s speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering and tight turning radius made urban driving easier, though the AMG Performance braking system was difficult to modulate. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension handled speed humps well but was less forgiving on rough pavement. The GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed, with a reserve of performance available in Sport+ mode, though its size and weight were liabilities on challenging roads.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers did not complain. Storage space was excellent, though the Elite’s wireless smartphone charger took up some room on the center console’s top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically held up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats with numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage were comfortable and supportive. Forward visibility was fine, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample room for adult legs and feet, and the cargo hold measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. Available comfort upgrades included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying free trial periods. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes Me connected services, wireless smartphone charging, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. However, the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, a road-sign recognition system, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim. The Odyssey’s ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle’s lifetime. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was effective, and the route-based speed adaption function for adaptive cruise control could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.