2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Odyssey offered a more luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, particularly in the Touring trim. These updates aimed to position the Odyssey as a more upscale option within the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe showcased a more contemporary and athletic design. Its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork contributed to its sporty appearance. The GLE Coupe's interior was equally impressive, featuring high-end materials, dual-screen instrumentation, and infotainment design. The cabin was adorned with Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim, creating a sophisticated and high-tech environment. Ambient lighting further enhanced the driving experience, making the GLE Coupe a luxurious choice for those seeking a blend of performance and style.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided 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, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put it at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's handling was enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable ride quality. The brakes, while improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine with 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. The GLE Coupe's fuel consumption was rated at 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres, with a tested result of 12.7 L/100 km. The SUV's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD, and various driving modes. The GLE Coupe excelled in handling, with adaptive damping control and AMG Active Ride Control suspension providing a nimble and composed ride. The brakes and tires offered exceptional grip and performance, even during spirited driving.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats to access maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe's interior featured luxurious amenities, including a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim 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 rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and several streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video navigation, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor inconvenience, but overall, the GLE Coupe's technology was advanced and intuitive.

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 was expected to maintain its top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the addition of standard LED headlights. However, blind-spot monitoring required an upgrade to the Touring trim. The ADAS systems worked accurately, though the adaptive cruise control could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist were particularly impressive, providing refined and accurate assistance. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.