2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Honda CR-V, with its conventional crossover design, did not stand out in a crowded market. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with only minor details like the grille and chromed plastic features distinguishing it. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though most were variations of gray, black, and white, with blue and red being less common. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more striking appearance, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork. Despite the SUV coupe trend, the GLE 53 was not offensively styled. Inside, it boasted high-end materials and a high-tech appearance, with dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment. The cabin featured premium Nappa leather, a Dinamica suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. While the interior design appeared simple, it masked the vehicle's complexity, requiring time to acclimate to its technology.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, though competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more engaging driving experiences with conventional transmissions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, delivered robust performance with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system added extra power when needed. The GLE 53 featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. It offered multiple driving modes and an adaptive damping control air suspension. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed, with impressive grip and braking performance, though its size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It provided over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and had a cargo capacity of 1,065 litres with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous adjustments and comfort features, while the back seat provided ample legroom. The cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite offering less space than the regular GLE, the Coupe featured luxury upgrades like heated and ventilated seats, a four-zone climate control system, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems, satellite navigation, and additional charging ports. The Touring trim introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included wireless charging, a Burmester surround-sound system, and advanced navigation aids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering a suite of advanced safety technologies as standard across all trims. The only exception was blind spot monitoring, which was standard from the Sport trim upwards.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems. The GLE's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results for the Coupe were unavailable.