2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, while promising with an aggressive front, seemed to lose its momentum past the A-pillar, making it reminiscent of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the overall aesthetic fell short when compared to rivals like the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes excelled in crafting a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials, vibrant colour schemes, and a layout that exuded opulence. The red and black interior, LED-outlined grab handles, and expansive screens across the dash were standout features, although some controls felt flimsy. The GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury, albeit requiring significant options to truly feel affluent.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey embraced its minivan identity with a sense of style, albeit not as striking as the Kia Carnival. Its design featured kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines, adding a touch of flair to its otherwise traditional minivan silhouette. The Touring trim level, with its dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, added a hint of sophistication. Inside, the Odyssey offered a classic open-concept design with quality leather upholstery and a plethora of storage options. The centre stack, though cluttered, was intuitive, and the expansive windshield provided excellent visibility. The Odyssey's interior was practical and comfortable, with features like tri-zone climate control and an onboard vacuum cleaner enhancing its family-friendly appeal. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Odyssey managed to deliver a pleasant driving experience, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took performance up a notch with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 63 S topped the range with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 producing 450 hp and 568 lb-ft. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, though it did little for fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. With a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the GLE was both versatile and luxurious.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive or hybrid options available. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 L/100 km, which was less efficient compared to hybrid rivals like the Toyota Sienna. Despite this, the Odyssey offered a pleasant driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes were prone to overheating during extended downhill driving, affecting performance. The Odyssey excelled in everyday driving scenarios, providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride for families, though it lacked the advanced performance features of the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, or seven with the optional third row. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, while the third row was accessible via sliding and folding seats. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, offered less space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a single touchpad and intuitive interface, though some controls required familiarization. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, making it a comfortable and practical choice for luxury SUV buyers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility, with wide-opening doors and a low ride height for easy access. The Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with tri-zone climate control. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility, allowing for easy access to the third row or additional cargo space. The third-row seats were comfortable for adults, with ample legroom and support. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 929 litres behind the third row and 2,452 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats provided a massive 3,984 litres of cargo space, rivaling larger SUVs. The Odyssey's interior was practical and family-friendly, with numerous storage options and thoughtful features like an onboard vacuum cleaner.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a technological marvel, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant for gesture control. The system was intuitive, with search bars and large type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating for comfort. The GLE offered a range of luxury features, including heated armrests, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The navigation system projected directions onto the front camera feed, and the semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance. The GLE's technology package was comprehensive, offering more features than most users would fully utilize.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while well-equipped, lagged behind competitors in terms of infotainment technology. The Touring trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems for rear-seat monitoring and communication. The rear entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen with media playback options, though it felt outdated compared to rivals. The Odyssey's navigation system required specific voice commands and was less intuitive than smartphone-based options. Overall, the Odyssey's technology package was functional but in need of an update to remain competitive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash. The GLE's safety systems were advanced and well-integrated, offering peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also earned top safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Honda Sensing was standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey's safety features were effective but lacked refinement, with some systems responding too abruptly. The blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was poorly positioned, and the radar coverage was limited. Despite these issues, the Odyssey's safety package was comprehensive and provided good protection for occupants.