2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Honda Passport

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, introduced in 2020, continued into 2021. Initially launched as the GL-Class in 2006, it was meant to replace the G-Class, but the latter's popularity kept it around. The GLS, with its three rows and luxurious interior, became a family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The name change from "GL" to "GLS" occurred midway through the second generation. Despite its size, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and lines. Inside, it featured a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-reliant controls.

The 2022 Honda Passport, with its new styling, closely resembled the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck from the doors forward. Sharing a platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV, the Passport was essentially a shorter Pilot without a third row. Honda aimed to give the Passport a tougher look, especially with the new TrailSport trim, which targeted off-road enthusiasts. The TrailSport, while more about aesthetics than capability, still offered standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes for various conditions. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements like orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting in the TrailSport trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 had a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 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 a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph. The GLS 63 also featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and multiple drive-mode settings, enhancing its performance and handling.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), with the latter standard on the TrailSport and Elite trims. The i-VTM4 AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when necessary. The Passport's V6 engine was smooth and responsive, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for FWD and 21 mpg for AWD. The TrailSport trim averaged 21.3 mpg over various driving conditions. The Passport's driving dynamics were commendable, with firm, communicative ride quality and athletic handling. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents, affecting confidence.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as 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 the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large doors and a low step-in height, making entry and exit easy. The front seats were large and comfortable, with leather upholstery and heated seats standard. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Passport's rear seats offered plenty of room and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows enhancing the open feel. The SUV provided ample storage, including a massive center console storage bin, front door panel shelving, and rear door panel cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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 a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added a navigation system, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system had shortcut buttons for the Home menu, a Back button, a screen brightness button, and a stereo volume and power knob. However, the navigation system was clunky, and using Apple CarPlay and Siri was more efficient. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's technology was not particularly advanced.

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. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also offered stop-and-go cruise control and a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and a seatbelt reminder system. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centering assist functions were intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control was not smooth in heavy traffic. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories but earned four stars for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings in most respects, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.