2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 measurements, 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 2022 Honda Odyssey was a top recommendation for families, thanks to its practical sliding side doors, comfortable third-row seating, and impressive cargo space. The sliding doors made loading toddlers into rear-facing seats a breeze, and the third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, making it ideal for carpooling or family trips. The Odyssey's cargo space was unmatched, with the ability to fold the third-row seat and remove the second-row seats to create a cavernous area comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban. Despite the minivan stigma, the 2022 Odyssey had a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior featured quality materials, a low console for an open feel, and a center stack with easily accessible controls. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder 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. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while the 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD version and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD version. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, depending on the configuration, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a 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, which included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls on the dashboard. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and remarkable composure on mountain roads. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades caused pedal vibration and an audible grumble, especially when the van was fully loaded. Despite this, the Odyssey remained a delightful vehicle to drive, offering a balance of performance and practicality for family use.

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 varied depending on the configuration: 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded in the two-row model, and 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded in the three-row model. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row was comfortable for two adults. The cabin featured modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The minivan offered impressive storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray between the dashboard and center console. The second-row seats were comfortable, with plenty of legroom and a fold-down center section with cupholders. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for various configurations, including sliding the middle section closer to the front seats or creating a large pass-through to the third row. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room. 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 the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display, keyless go, and an optional Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included 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).

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with all the technology Honda offered for this minivan, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Touring and Elite trims also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat camera system, and an in-vehicle public address system. The rear-seat entertainment system, standard on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch display screen, HDMI inputs, a USB port, and a "How Much Farther?" app. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was underwhelming, with an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small and a navigation system that required specific voice commands.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite 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 like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active lane change 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. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, helping to reduce hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 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 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing as standard, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additionally, all Odysseys had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, sometimes issuing invalid warnings or taking ill-advised preventative actions. The blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was located on the windshield pillar, which was not ideal. Despite these issues, the Odyssey earned an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.