2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise, did not quite deliver in terms of exterior aesthetics. Its design seemed rushed, with an aggressive front that lost its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it hard to differentiate from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE struggled to match the pitch-perfect proportions of its competitors like BMW or Audi. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes made significant improvements, creating a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, surpassing even high-end SUVs from Porsche or Audi. The GLE's interior was a sensory delight, with a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede, although some controls felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE exuded a sense of luxury, but it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that was familiar yet enjoyable. Its exterior lines were soft and car-like, with a family resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's styling was more akin to a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern family vehicle. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with some upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims. However, these clashed with lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that the CR-V was an upgraded commodity car rather than a premium product. The CR-V's design was practical and functional, with a focus on providing a comfortable and spacious environment for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile vehicle, offering a complex suspension and engine setup. The GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC with self-leveling air springs. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered powerful twin-turbo engines. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality, although it did not significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE 350 had 255 hp, the GLE 450 had 362 hp, the AMG GLE 53 had 429 hp, the GLE 580 had 483 hp, and the AMG GLE 63 S had 603 hp. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a simplified lineup with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the CR-V offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor was evident in its excellent road manners, with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The CR-V achieved an EPA rating of 30 mpg combined for FWD models and 29 mpg for AWD models, placing it among the top in its class. The CR-V Hybrid offered even higher fuel economy, competing with hybrid versions of the RAV4 and Escape.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a spacious two-row SUV, with an optional third row for seating up to seven. The second-row seats offered power controls for added comfort, while the Coupe variant seated five. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe had less space, with 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which replaced the previous rotary/touchpad combo with a single touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls and driving mode shortcuts were easy to use, although the steering wheel thumbpads were less intuitive.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its excellent packaging, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V provided ample head- and legroom, with a seating position that maximized visibility. The cargo compartment was spacious, with a two-position load floor for flexibility. The CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Clever storage solutions, such as the deep center console and large door pockets, made the CR-V practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for racing enthusiasts. The GLE offered a range of luxury features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE a technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the larger screen, but the integration was not seamless. The CR-V offered multiple USB ports in the EX trim and above, with a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. The GLE offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing system as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. The Touring trim featured LED headlights for improved visibility. A safety recall affected a small number of CR-Vs for a rear subframe issue.