2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, had a window sticker of $51,435, including destination charges.

Quality materials were evident throughout the Pilot's interior, including hard plastic panels. The flat dashboard, thin windshield pillars, and low center console gave the front seat a minivan-like feel, which, combined with its drab exterior design, did not enhance its appeal. The Black Edition's black mats were particularly challenging to clean, especially for pet owners. Overall, the Pilot's interior quality was commendable, but its design left much to be desired.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, had a more athletic and stylish appearance. Mercedes discontinued many V8-powered models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe as the top variant with a base price of $77,800. Our test vehicle, loaded with options, exceeded $100,000. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and a high-tech appearance. The Nappa premium leather, Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim added a luxurious touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

The interior design of the AMG GLE 53 Coupe masked its complexity with a facade of simplicity. The lack of traditional controls or clear markings made it challenging for newcomers to operate the vehicle's technology. However, with time, drivers could acclimate and use the AMG GLE 53 Coupe with minimal distraction.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and refined, providing ample power for quick acceleration. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system available. The Pilot's fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. Our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg.

The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling. The torque-vectoring AWD system, 20-inch wheels, and excellent outward visibility contributed to the driving enjoyment. The well-weighted and responsive steering, along with properly calibrated brakes, added to the positive driving experience. However, the brakes tended to heat up and vibrate with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by the Pilot's 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA rated the GLE 53 Coupe at 19 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg.

The AMG GLE 53 Coupe's performance highlights included a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG sport exhaust system enhanced the engine's sound. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes maximized performance.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made low-speed maneuvers easy, while the tight turning radius facilitated U-turns. However, the optional AMG Performance braking system made smooth stops challenging. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension effectively handled speed humps but was less forgiving on rough pavement. Overall, the GLE Coupe felt taut, nimble, and composed, with a reserve of performance available when needed.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample room for a family, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable and supportive. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger's seat had four-way adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. These chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and slid forward for easier third-row access. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low and flat bottom cushion.

Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The EX-L trim and higher included a power tailgate, with hands-free operation available on higher trims. The Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically seated up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The test vehicle's sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom for adults, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Comfort upgrades included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package with heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

Most 2021 Honda Pilots featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, satellite radio, and a basic version of HondaLink connected services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The infotainment system was adequate but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also added a rear-seat entertainment system, a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, 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. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a package of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also had a blind-spot monitoring/rear cross-traffic warning system. The older version of Honda Sensing was functional but not very refined. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.