2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a stylish addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Its design was sleek and athletic, with a notable 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for various terrains. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern and sophisticated cabin, featuring round design elements and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The fit and finish were of high quality, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, giving it a familiar look. The Passport's new styling aimed for a tougher appearance, especially in the TrailSport trim, which added off-road-inspired design elements. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with large seats and ample room for passengers. The TrailSport trim added unique touches like orange contrast stitching and rubber all-season floor mats, enhancing its rugged appeal. The Passport's interior was well-assembled, with quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for FWD, and 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive for the EX-L trim, while the TrailSport and Elite trims came with Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system. The Passport's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The i-VTM4 system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing the Passport's performance on twisty roads and off-road trails. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Passport excelled on streets and highways, offering a firm ride and athletic handling.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The two-row version provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row version had 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 third row was best suited for children or short trips. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row was spacious for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets and cupholders.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large doors and a low step-in height, making it easy to access. The front seats were comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated options as standard. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows providing an open feel. The Passport offered generous storage, including a massive center console and various compartments. Cargo space was impressive, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. It included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches. Standard features included smartphone integration, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package added advanced options like a Burmester Surround Sound System and augmented reality navigation. Additional features included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, and parking assistance.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services. The system had shortcut buttons for easy navigation, but the navigation system was clunky, prompting users to rely on Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport lacked advanced technological features compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, and crosswind assist. Optional features included active LED headlamps, blind-spot assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which added adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-seat reminder system. However, some features like lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist were less refined, prompting drivers to turn them off. The Passport received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for four stars in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. IIHS gave it top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.