2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for modernization. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, reducing brightwork and giving the Odyssey a more contemporary appearance. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, making it closer than ever to being the Acura of minivans.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle, less flashy look compared to its competitors. It avoided gaudy grilles and excessive chrome, presenting a refined exterior. The AMG GLS 63 performance model and the Maybach version offered more visual drama with flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach model also featured chrome everywhere, a traditional hood ornament, and power running boards. Inside, the GLS 450 had a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, providing a sleek and modern look.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and our testing loop averaged 21.8 mpg. However, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control featured a stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. The standard air suspension offered a comfortable ride but exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the long wheelbase provided excellent legroom. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The GLS offered one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making loading and unloading easy. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription services offered various remote and concierge functions. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, understanding natural speech well. However, the touchpad controller was cumbersome, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature available in other Mercedes models.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). New features for 2021 included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and had top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems were optional. The GLS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.