2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS, with its softened angles and sleek lines, presented a more refined appearance than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric controls. Available in three trims—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Optional packages added further luxury, such as ventilated seats and heated armrests.

The 2020 Honda Passport, true to Honda's design philosophy, offered a practical and rugged aesthetic. Positioned between the CR-V and Pilot, the Passport featured a more athletic and robust exterior. Available in four trims—Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite—the Passport Elite came fully loaded with features like a scratch-resistant grille, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and chrome exhaust finishers. The Passport's increased ground clearance compared to the Pilot enhanced its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Passport's cabin was a blend of durability and comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and ample space for five passengers. The design emphasized practicality, with features like tri-zone climate control and a spacious cargo area.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and multiple drive modes, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride.

The 2020 Honda Passport was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided sufficient power for various driving situations, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, and AWD models slightly lower. The Passport's torque-vectoring AWD system, standard on the Elite trim, enhanced stability and control, especially on winding roads. The Passport also featured Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes, making it more capable off-road than expected. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Passport outperformed rivals like the Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Blazer.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row, while less spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad and a large center console.

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical midsize SUV with ample space for four adults. The Passport's seats, similar to those in the Pilot and Odyssey, offered excellent comfort and legroom. The cabin featured cloth upholstery as standard, with perforated leather available. The Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. A power liftgate was standard, and the load floor, though high, was manageable. The Passport also provided excellent small-item storage, with a spacious center console and additional shelf space in the front doors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Hey Mercedes," and the digital dash extended to a fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system offered a variety of display options, enhancing the user experience.

The 2020 Honda Passport's base Sport model featured a 5.0-inch display, while higher trims included an 8.0-inch Display Audio touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The larger screen was responsive and easy to navigate, with standard features like Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system. Higher trims added a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, additional USB ports, a wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Passport's dashboard, borrowed from the Pilot, was functional but slightly outdated.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA and being named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Passport came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including Collision Mitigation Braking, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered dynamic gridlines for the rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic detection. While it lacked some advanced driver-assist features found in competitors, the Passport's safety technology was comprehensive and effective.