2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport's new styling closely resembled the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform that Honda also used for the Odyssey minivan and the Pilot three-row SUV. Essentially, the Passport was a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seat and with different styling.

Honda aimed to give the Passport a tougher look with its new nose design, which was applied across all three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, though it was more about aesthetics than actual capability. The TrailSport featured standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes for various conditions. Prices ranged from $37,870 to $45,430, with our test vehicle, a TrailSport with Sonic Gray Pearl paint, priced at $44,095.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. For 2022, the GLB saw minor updates, including satellite radio in the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus.

Our test vehicle was the AMG GLB35, starting at $51,000 and totaling $57,250 with options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, and various packages. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior, however, was beautifully rendered, featuring high-definition displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. The controls required some acclimation, but the quality was evident, though road noise was an issue with the optional 21-inch wheels.

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 EX-L trim offered front-wheel drive, while the TrailSport and Elite trims came with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management Four (i-VTM4) AWD system. The V6 engine was smooth and felt stronger than its ratings suggested, with the TrailSport averaging 21.3 mpg in various driving conditions.

The Passport's i-VTM4 system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when necessary, enhancing its performance on twisty roads and off-road trails. However, the Passport's wheel articulation was limited, and the brakes could heat up and vibrate on mountain descents. Despite these issues, the Passport offered satisfying acceleration, a firm ride, and athletic handling, making it a great companion for road trips.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the AMG GLB35 version producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLB35 had an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with an AMG High-Performance Braking System, AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension, and Direct Steer variable steering system. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response, and the ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG GLB35 excelled on twisty roads, offering excellent grip and nimble handling, but it was less comfortable for daily driving.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy entry and exit, with large, comfortable front seats and standard leather upholstery. The Elite trim added ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, headroom, and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows providing an open feel.

The Passport had plenty of storage, including a massive center console storage bin and various compartments throughout the cabin. The cargo space was generous, with 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 77.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The Passport's simple utility and comfort made it easy to live with.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to urbanites needing a roomy but small SUV, with an optional third-row seat for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with options for heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The GLB's rear doors opened wide, revealing comfortable seating for two adults, though the middle seat was less practical. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space, making the GLB less suitable for those needing a three-row SUV. The cargo area offered 22 cubic feet of space, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded flat.

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. The system had shortcut buttons and a volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, making it less user-friendly.

The Passport's navigation system was clunky, and voice commands were not always effective. However, Apple CarPlay and Siri worked well, and wireless smartphone charging was standard. Overall, the Passport's technology was basic but functional.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB's MBUX infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality.

Optional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple control methods. The navigation system's augmented reality technology was particularly impressive.

The 2022 Honda Passport came with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including 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 blind-spot monitoring warning light was poorly placed. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories but had a four-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings in most respects, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included 12 advanced safety features. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist.

Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable, but the optional Driver Assistance Package provided sophisticated safety features worth the extra cost.