2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport adopted a new styling that closely resembled the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seat, and featured distinct styling. Honda aimed to give the Passport a tougher look with its updated nose design, which was applied across all three trim levels: Sport, TrailSport, and Touring. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, although it was more about aesthetics than actual capability. The Passport boasted a spacious interior, high-quality materials, and unique design elements in the TrailSport trim, such as orange contrast stitching and amber ambient lighting.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was positioned between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive in Canada, while the AMG GLB35 offered a more powerful drivetrain. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle and nearly vertical rear window, giving it a boxy appearance. The AMG GLB35 added style with 21-inch multi-spoke wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin was beautifully crafted, featuring high-definition displays and artistic air vents. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the road noise was notably loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine was smooth and felt stronger than its power ratings suggested. The Passport's fuel consumption was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport test vehicle averaging 11.0 L/100 km. The i-VTM4 AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, delivering up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel when needed. The Passport offered satisfying acceleration, a firm ride, and athletic handling, although the brakes could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4-cylinder engine, with the AMG GLB35 version producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLB35 included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with a firm ride and some throttle lag. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a thrilling drive on twisty roads.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior featured large, comfortable seats with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport provided ample storage, including a massive centre console storage bin and generous cargo space, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the back seat folded down. The spacious interior and simple utility made the Passport a practical choice.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to urbanites needing a roomy yet small SUV, with an optional third-row seat for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The GLB offered simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an optional panoramic glass sunroof. The rear doors opened wide, providing comfortable seating for two adults, with an optional third-row seat reducing cargo space. The GLB's cargo area measured 560 litres, expanding to 1,755 litres with the second-row seat folded flat.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The system was straightforward but lacked advanced features, with wireless smartphone charging standard in all but the base Sport trim. The Passport's technology was functional but not cutting-edge.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen display in the AMG GLB35. Bluetooth was standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto optional. The Premium Package added SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Navigation Package included a navigation system. MBUX offered natural voice recognition and a digital assistant, making it user-friendly. The system's high-resolution graphics and touchscreen functionality were impressive, although some features required additional packages.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist drawing negative attention. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision, which earned four stars. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. Standard features included Active Brake Assist and blind-spot monitoring. The GLB's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the optional package offered sophisticated safety features.