2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors were a standout, making it easy to load children into car seats even in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey offered a spacious and comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpool buddies without hassle. Its cargo space was impressive, with the ability to fold down seats for maximum storage, rivaling even large SUVs. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style, particularly in the Touring trim with its dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a more luxurious and sophisticated appearance. While its exterior changes were subtle, the GLE 450e model stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. The interior exuded class with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, ensuring a high-quality cabin experience. The GLE's design was both elegant and robust, appealing to those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey offered a Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 10.4 L/100 km. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration, but its brakes tended to heat up on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 450e with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. Its fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The GLE's transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and its suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a Magic Slide second-row seat system for versatile seating arrangements. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space behind it measured 929 litres, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third-row seat folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom. Its light beige upholstery contributed to an airy cabin feel, and visibility was excellent. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, with optional third-row seating available in certain trims. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The GLE's interior was equipped with advanced technology and luxury touches, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. It included CabinWatch and CabinTalk features for monitoring and communicating with rear passengers. The rear entertainment system had a 10.2-inch display, but its technology was considered outdated compared to competitors. The Odyssey's infotainment system was functional but lacked modern features and a larger screen.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. The GLE's optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. The system was user-friendly, though it required some learning to navigate its extensive features. The GLE's technology package was comprehensive and modern, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings. The Odyssey received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective, providing peace of mind during everyday driving. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.