2021 Honda Passport vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its luxurious brand, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a Mercedes SUV. Its exterior design seemed to lack the cohesive elegance found in its sedan and sports car counterparts. The GLE's aggressive front nose and sloping hood promised a bold statement, but the design faltered past the A-pillar, resembling its predecessors too closely. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to mitigate its minivan-like appearance, yet it struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, offering a masterful blend of quality materials and innovative design. The red and black interior was both striking and opulent, surpassing even some luxury rivals. The interior's attention to detail, from the LED-outlined grab handles to the plush materials, created a sense of indulgence, though some controls felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport presented a more straightforward design approach, closely mirroring its sibling, the Honda Pilot. The Passport's exterior and interior styling were nearly identical to the Pilot, with the main difference being its two-row seating configuration. The interior was spacious, featuring high-quality materials and a practical layout. The Passport's dash design was functional, though it shared Honda's unconventional button shifter, which some found awkward. The trim levels offered a range of features, from the basic Sport with its 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights to the top-tier Elite with heated and ventilated seats. The Passport's design was practical and user-friendly, providing ample space and comfort for passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine with rear-wheel drive, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 horsepower, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S delivered even more power, with 483 and 603 horsepower, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the vehicle to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller sedan, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic slightly lower at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered strong acceleration and a smooth ride, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The Passport's ride was comfortable and well-suited for daily commuting and weekend adventures. It featured 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains, making it capable of light off-roading. The Passport's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds for FWD models and 5,000 pounds for AWD models, providing versatility for those needing to tow. The Passport's performance was reliable and practical, catering to a wide range of driving needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo space was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE Coupe, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline, offering 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior was user-friendly, with the new MBUX infotainment system simplifying controls and enhancing usability. The GLE's interior was luxurious and well-appointed, though some controls required familiarization.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided ample cargo space, with 100.8 cubic feet available 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 Passport's upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the interior featured practical storage solutions, including deep door pockets and a spacious center console. The rear seats provided generous headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort. The Passport's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures for added convenience. The system included a natural voice assistant, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a range of luxury features like seat massage and ambient lighting. The GLE's infotainment system was advanced and customizable, offering a wealth of electronic features that enhanced the driving experience. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, and the navigation system provided augmented reality directions. The GLE's technology was comprehensive and sophisticated, though it could be overwhelming for some users.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's graphics and menu layout felt dated, and the volume dial seemed like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the Passport's infotainment system provided essential connectivity and functionality, meeting the needs of most drivers. The Passport's technology was straightforward and user-friendly, though it lacked the advanced features found in some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for its crash test performance and standard forward emergency braking. It offered a range of optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE's safety technology was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Honda Passport also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. It came standard with advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, with optional features including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Passport's safety features were robust, ensuring a secure driving experience.