2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, offered a more refined and cohesive look compared to its predecessors. The redesign for 2021 brought a streamlined appearance, especially in the GLE Coupe variant, which was more aesthetically pleasing than the first generation. Inside, the GLE excelled with a luxurious interior that was a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior of the tested model was both bold and opulent, surpassing the interiors of competitors like Porsche and Audi. The GLE's interior was a blend of various materials, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, all of which were delightful to touch and operate, despite some flimsy controls.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Passport was a model that embodied practicality and reliability, hallmarks of the Honda brand. Its exterior design was a blend of ruggedness and athleticism, positioning it between the Honda Pilot and CR-V in terms of size and capability. The Passport's interior was more sophisticated than rugged, with a focus on utility and comfort. The cabin featured a mix of durable and soft-touch materials, with perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. The Passport's design emphasized spaciousness, with ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 offered a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's hybrid system, powered by a 48-volt battery, provided additional horsepower and torque, enhancing performance without significantly improving fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, allowed for exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2020 Honda Passport, on the other hand, was equipped with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offered smooth performance across various driving conditions. Its fuel economy was modest, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Passport's AWD system, available on higher trims, provided excellent traction and stability, especially in challenging conditions. The Passport's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was impressive for its class, making it a practical choice for those needing to haul trailers or boats.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, while the Coupe variant was limited to five passengers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and improved the overall user experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical SUV with ample interior space for passengers and cargo. It offered 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, surpassing most two-row SUVs. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort, with spacious seats and available tri-zone climate control. The SUV excelled in small-item storage, with a large center console and additional storage spaces throughout the cabin. The Passport's practicality and comfort made it an appealing choice for families and those seeking a versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system included features like seat massage, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with options for navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The AMG models offered additional features like a Track Pace app and semi-automated driving functions, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2020 Honda Passport featured a standard 8.0-inch Display Audio infotainment system on higher trims, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with responsive touch controls and easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, while higher trims added a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Passport's infotainment system was practical and straightforward, aligning with its overall design philosophy.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its excellent crash test performance and standard safety features like forward emergency braking. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE's advanced safety technology provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Honda Passport was designed with safety as a priority, earning good scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. The Passport's comprehensive safety features made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.