2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport bore a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front. 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 seating, and featured a more rugged design. Honda's effort to give the Passport a tougher look was evident in its new nose styling, which was applied across all three trim levels: Sport, TrailSport, and Touring. The TrailSport trim, in particular, was designed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, although it was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes included new Mercedes star logos on the grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the most refined in its segment.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine was smooth and felt more powerful than its ratings suggested. The Passport's fuel economy was rated at 11.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim 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. While the Passport excelled on paved roads, its off-road capabilities were limited, and the brakes could become less confident on mountain descents.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the GLE 450e PHEV being a standout. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was rated at 4.1 L/100 km in hybrid mode, with an electric range of 77 km. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE's steering was precise, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with its large doors and low step-in height. The interior featured 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's spacious second row provided ample legroom and headroom, and the large windows created an open and airy feel. Cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both rows. The light beige upholstery contributed to the cabin's airy feel, and visibility was excellent. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim included a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked advanced features, and the navigation system was clunky. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base Sport trim.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. While effective, these features were not as refined as those of competitors. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories but earned four stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, except for an Acceptable rating in front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective. The 2022 GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet available.