2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The interior boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting, giving it a more upscale feel. The Odyssey's interior improvements, including tri-colour floor mats and seating material upgrades, aimed to elevate its status as a premium minivan.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a more contemporary and stylish look, fitting between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup. The GLB250 featured standard 4Matic AWD in Canada, while the AMG GLB35 boasted a more powerful drivetrain. The new Night Package added black grille louvers and badges, and Rose Gold was introduced as a new paint colour for the AMG GLB35. The interior was a highlight, with high-definition instrumentation, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. However, the GLB's design was an acquired taste, with its steep windshield angle and nearly vertical rear window prioritizing function over form.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, struggled under heavy use during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly the AMG GLB35, emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD. The AMG GLB35 accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension enhanced its dynamic capabilities. However, the AMG GLB35 prioritized performance over comfort, with firm suspension and road noise being notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, and heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 3,984 litres with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to urbanites seeking a roomy yet compact SUV. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and optional third-row seating. The interior offered simulated leather upholstery, with heated front seats and a panoramic glass sunroof available. The GLB's cargo area provided 560 litres of space, expanding to 1,755 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the optional third-row seat reduced storage space and was more suitable for children.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Touring trim also featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen display. Bluetooth was standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were optional in Canada. The Premium Package added SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Navigation Package equipped the GLB with navigation. MBUX offered natural voice recognition and a digital assistant, enhancing usability. However, the system's complexity required acclimation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, blind-spot monitoring required upgrading to the Touring trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The test vehicle had standard Active Brake Assist and optional blind-spot monitoring. Rain-sensing wipers and an Attention Assist driver monitoring system were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.