2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss even for trained eyes. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more noticeable when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e we tested featured standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights. The vehicle's Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels added a touch of elegance, though the wheels came at an additional cost of $1,100. The GLE offered a choice of seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These interior options added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the price but were considered worthwhile. Mercedes provided ten interior color choices and five trim options, including brushed aluminum and various wood finishes. The cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, starting at $33,700, was the most affordable electrified version of the SUV. The Sport Hybrid trim featured black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim for a sporty look, while the interior remained basic. The Sport-L Hybrid offered an interior upgrade and started at $36,700, with the Sport Touring Hybrid topping the lineup at $39,850. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, came in Canyon River Blue paint and had an MSRP of $41,175, including a $1,325 destination charge.

The CR-V's conservative styling, with a technical face resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, though it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The best viewing angle was from the rear quarter, where Volvo-adjacent taillights and a tidy design gave it an upscale appearance. The Sport Touring's 19-inch gloss black wheels added some shine but were nearly invisible with darker paint colors. Inside, the Sport Touring featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as a soft-touch upper dashboard pad and metal mesh hiding the air vents.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with two AMG models: the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only range was estimated at 40 miles, and it could operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, though the regenerative brakes occasionally felt numb. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps well, and its sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The propulsion motor powered the SUV, while the generator/starter motor recharged the battery. The system delivered 204 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The EPA estimated 37 mpg in combined driving for the CR-V Sport Touring, but our test vehicle returned 32.4 mpg on a mountainous route. The CR-V Hybrid provided a compliant ride quality and predictable handling, though the steering effort was unusually heavy. The brakes performed well during heavy use on a twisty road descent.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also had options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids had a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easy to install child safety seats. The back seat was comfortable for adults, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V Sport Touring had a 34.7 cubic foot cargo area, while other trims offered 36.3 cubic feet. All CR-V Hybrids provided up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seat folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be accidentally activated.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an available 9-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium sound system were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic and struggled with conversational commands. The CR-V Hybrid also featured walk-away automatic locking for added security.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and a driver monitoring system. Additional features included a rear-seat reminder, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Sport-L and Sport Touring trims added parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking control. The CR-V Hybrid performed well in various driving conditions, with only minor issues detected.