2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces, and the spacious third-row seat provided comfort for additional passengers. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering ample room for gear and groceries, and its overall design, while adhering to traditional minivan aesthetics, included stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim. The interior was functional, with a low console and plenty of storage, though the switchgear placement required some getting used to. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, making the Odyssey a practical choice for those who valued convenience and space.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more subtle luxury SUV experience, especially in its base GLS 450 form. It avoided the flashy chrome and gaudy grilles of some competitors, presenting a refined exterior. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS provided a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, though the touchscreen was somewhat out of reach. The GLS 450's interior was high-quality, offering a subdued elegance that appealed to those seeking a sophisticated ride.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked the all-wheel drive and hybrid options available in some competitors, the Odyssey offered a respectable EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. The minivan was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, though its brakes showed signs of overheating on steep descents, leading to pedal vibration and noise.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 came equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It was assisted by Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, which added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The inline-six engine provided smooth power delivery, but the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but slightly lower than some rivals.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The minivan excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seat expanded cargo capacity to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats created a massive 144.9 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the GLS boasted excellent legroom. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS included power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with air suspension to aid loading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi hotspot access, and CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated. The Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the navigation system required specific voice commands.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, which was the most user-friendly. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had attractive graphics, but the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in other Mercedes models.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, the safety systems lacked refinement, sometimes issuing false warnings or responding abruptly. The Odyssey received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.