2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS featured softened angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric design. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of luxurious features and options.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, managed to incorporate a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey's design included kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim, priced at $49,995, featured quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats with power adjustments, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage spaces and the innovative Magic Slide second-row seats, which provided flexibility for families. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

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 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. 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, delivered an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and a hushed, composed ride, making it a standout in terms of performance and handling.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, employed a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and an audible grumble, indicating a need for more robust braking performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS offered 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 the second and third rows folded. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a center console with butterfly doors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and practicality. The Odyssey Elite featured quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility, allowing for easier access to the third row or better protection for children in a side-impact collision. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Odyssey also offered numerous storage spaces, including a handy floor tray and an onboard vacuum cleaner in the Elite trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station," and the digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system had a learning curve but offered extensive functionality once mastered.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, and an 11-speaker premium audio system in the Elite trim. However, the infotainment system was increasingly outclassed by rivals, with a small screen and a lack of a tuning knob for the stereo. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands and was less user-friendly than smartphone-based navigation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of 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 a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. All Odysseys also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, sometimes issuing invalid warnings or taking ill-advised preventative actions. The blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was poorly placed, and the radar did not provide timely lane-change information. Despite these issues, the Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.