2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident at a glance, leading some to dub the Passport a "Pilot Sport." Inside, the Passport's dashboard layout mirrored that of the Pilot, including Honda's awkward "button shifter" design instead of a conventional lever for the automatic transmission. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout.

Trim levels for the 2021 Passport included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The entry-level Sport came with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, push-button start, tri-zone climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, and a one-touch fold-down rear bench. The EX-L added leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a power rear liftgate, and more. The Touring trim included front-and-rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, and a WiFi hotspot. The top-tier Elite trim offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain and a sophisticated AWD system. For 2022, changes included satellite radio in the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 FWD, excluding a $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, an AMG GLB35, started at $51,000 (including destination) and included options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, and an AMG Performance steering wheel. The Premium and Multimedia Packages brought the total to $57,250. The GLB's design was polarizing, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels added style and presence. Inside, the GLB's cabin was beautifully rendered with high-definition displays and artistic air vents that glowed with ambient lighting.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well. The engine's stop-start system could be abrupt, but it had a switch to disable it. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, gains of 81 hp and 37 lb-ft over the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds for the GLB250. The AMG GLB35 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, while the GLB250 4Matic achieved 25 mpg.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension were standard. The AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, with excellent grip and responsive handling in Sport+ mode. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response, and the DCT could seem confused in urban settings. Most people would be happier with a GLB250 for daily driving, but driving enthusiasts would enjoy the AMG GLB35's performance on mountain roads.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided a generous 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 was available in an under-floor storage tray. 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 had a deep bin and an open cargo tray. Both front and rear seats had deep in-door pockets for storage. The rear seats offered plenty of headroom and legroom, and they could recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex) was standard, with optional real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The GLB's interior featured a 64-color ambient lighting system for customization.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, and the driver and front passenger had an excellent view. Storage was decent, but a small tray on the dashboard was missing. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults, with limited space for a third passenger. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space under the cargo floor. The GLB had a power rear liftgate and a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat.

For 2021, Honda made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard on the Passport, included with the newly-standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This was an advantage over the three-row Pilot, which required a higher trim level for these features. However, the Passport's infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. The audio interface lacked a tuning dial.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB35, MBUX included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. All GLB models had standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system.

MBUX could be controlled via natural voice recognition, the touchscreen display, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The system's natural voice recognition and digital assistant responded accurately to prompts, though the navigation system's augmented reality technology was especially useful in densely populated areas.

The 2021 Honda Passport came well 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, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" scores in most crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights, child-seat anchor ease of use, and front crash prevention tech.

Despite a price tag nearing $58,000, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features. Missing features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The test vehicle did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.