2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe represented a familiar take on the SUV coupe concept, projecting a sleek yet muscular aesthetic. The Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork gave our test vehicle a sporty appearance, although the front three-quarter view often brought to mind an athletic sneaker. Mercedes shelved many V8 models for 2022, including the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, leaving the AMG GLE 53 Coupe as the primary performance variant with a starting price of $77,800, ballooning to over $100,000 with options.

Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe’s cabin was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials and a dual-screen infotainment setup that gave it a modern, high-tech look. Premium Nappa leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner and steering wheel, and brushed aluminum trim elevated the interior's feel. Night-time ambient lighting added an extra layer of sophistication.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, fully redesigned, introduced a more rugged and substantial look. The upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger, but it actually grew in size compared to its predecessor. The new dimensions included a 3.4-inch increase in length, up to 1.5 inches in width, and 0.8 inches in height. These changes enhanced its new TrailSport model's off-road credentials, which included a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates, improving both function and aesthetics.

Inside, the Pilot adopted more conventional styling but remained attractive and functional. The interior materials felt high-quality, reflecting elevated class standards. The overall design emphasized utility and convenience, smartly balancing form and function.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine capable of producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 RPM and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 RPM. It featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system enhancing both power delivery and fuel efficiency. While the EPA listed a combined driving fuel economy of 19 mpg, our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg.

This model also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple drive modes, from Comfort to Sport+, and had an AMG sport exhaust for optimal performance. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further refined its driving dynamics.

In urban environments, the SUV’s speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering facilitated easy maneuverability, and the tight turning radius eased U-turns. However, the optional AMG Performance braking system required careful modulation for smooth stops in traffic. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided comfort at mid-range speeds but felt less forgiving on rougher terrain due to the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning.

Switching to Sport+ mode revealed the GLE’s spirited performance as we navigated the challenging Deer Creek Canyon Road. The AWD powertrain handled swift elevation changes adeptly. The brakes and tires demonstrated exceptional grip on the descent, and the suspension managed body motions well, though the car’s size and weight were slight hindrances on narrow roads. Sport mode on Mulholland Highway offered a more enjoyable drive with balanced performance and a softer exhaust note.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was optional on most trims and standard on Elite and TrailSport models.

The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration with minimal delay and a pleasant engine growl when pushed. The brake pedal felt appropriately soft for a family SUV, allowing for smooth stops. In terms of handling, it cornered predictably with some body roll but stayed composed without residual bounces. The light steering helped maneuverability but felt somewhat vague on highways.

The TrailSport model increased ground clearance and featured all-terrain tires, offering subtle vibration on pavement but delivering impressive off-road capability. The overall tuning favored comfort over sportiness, making the Pilot a reliable choice for daily family duties and occasional off-road adventures.

Technically seating five, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was more comfortable for four adults or a family with younger children. The multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring highway comfort and support on winding roads. While forward visibility was fine, rear visibility was limited, necessitating the use of available cameras.

The rear seats provided ample room for adult passengers, and the cargo area offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Notably, the GLE Coupe sacrificed some cargo space compared to the standard GLE.

In the 2023 Honda Pilot, the interior layout was more conventional. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim’s touchscreen was adequate but seemed small for the space available. Controls for climate and drive modes were logically placed, contributing to user-friendliness.

The Pilot boasted clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row center seat for easier third-row access. It comfortably accommodated adults over six feet in the second row, while the third row was less comfortable for longer trips but acceptable for short journeys. Cargo capacity ranked high, offering 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanded to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and maxing out at 114.3 cubic feet—substantially more than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single glass panel. The system included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard. The MBUX system was intuitive, aided by features like natural voice recognition.

Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D sound system. The touchpad on the center console, though, was prone to accidental activation.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, the EX-L trim level and above provided a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB ports in every row. The Elite trim added a head-up display and a digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly with quick responses, despite somewhat dated graphics.

Higher trims included features like Honda’s CabinTalk PA system, a premium Bose audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. TrailSport and Elite trims offered the TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road situational awareness.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe included safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 more features, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Notably, the Active Emergency Stop Assist could detect an unresponsive driver, bring the vehicle to a stop, and initiate an SOS call. Though crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE earned high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda Pilot, expected to score highly with the NHTSA and already a Top Safety Pick+ with the IIHS, included standard features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured surround-view camera systems. In our experience, all safety systems performed reliably without false alarms.