2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving pleasure.

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. The similarities between the two SUVs were evident both inside and out, with the Passport's dash layout mirroring that of the Pilot. However, both models shared Honda's awkward "button shifter" design for the automatic transmission. Despite this, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. The trim levels—Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite—each added progressively more features, from 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights in the Sport trim to heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging in the Elite trim. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with plenty of headroom and legroom, and a variety of modern amenities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. The GLB offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $2,000. Fuel economy estimates were 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD model and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD model. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on the configuration. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2021 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and offered optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well, although the engine's stop-start system could be abrupt at times. 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. The FWD Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD model could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger model, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

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 of storage was available in an under-floor 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 a commanding view of the road. The center console had a deep bin and an open cargo tray below the shifter and cupholders, with deep in-door pockets for water bottles and other items. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and they could both recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, even as an entry-level model. It featured the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard tech included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a new-generation touchpad in the center console, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other available features included a Burmester Surround Sound System, adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, along with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While these features were a welcome addition, the Passport's infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity features as standard was a distinct advantage over the three-row Pilot, which required a higher trim level to access these features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features such as active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2021 Honda Passport came well-equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received an overall rating of five out of five stars from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most crash tests from the IIHS. However, it received an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test, "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use, and a second-tier "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention tech.