2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient of .29. The front end saw the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear handsome yet unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, detracting from its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, and redesigned LED fog lights and rear bumper. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid featured unique instrumentation for battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking. The CR-V Hybrid came in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, and offered a range of features from leather upholstery to a premium sound system in the Touring trim. The test vehicle, in Touring trim with Platinum White Pearl paint, had a rich two-tone interior but suffered from fake wood trim.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered more power and slightly better city mileage.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selected based on the situation, along with driver-selected modes like Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack improved its center of gravity and weight distribution. It performed well, with quick acceleration and predictable handling, but returned only 33.7 mpg on the test route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined and the RAV4 Hybrid's 39.7 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. It offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, a comprehensive HUD, and comfortable seats with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent discomfort on long drives. However, the steering wheel often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in passenger and cargo space. The front seats were supportive, with the driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, but it remained practical and spacious.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, a HUD, and natural voice control. While the system was initially daunting, it became intuitive with use. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds. The augmented reality navigation was impressive but distracting, and the voice control didn't work as well as in the A-Class.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its large, flush surface and seven-inch touchscreen. It lacked a tuning knob, had slow startup times, and the voice-recognition technology was subpar. The navigation map was cluttered, and the HondaLink connected services were minimal. However, the Touring trim's nine-speaker premium audio sounded good, and the system supported text messaging, SiriusXM, and Pandora.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE lacked current safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but offered a comprehensive suite of autonomous safety systems, including Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics. However, the driver-assistance features were unreliable at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and lines.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems worked smoothly and consistently, though the CR-V lacked some advanced features found in competitors. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.