2024 Honda Passport vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Honda Passport retained much of its familiar design, despite Honda's recent updates to other models. While it received some tweaks in 2022, such as a more upright grille and squared-off corners, the overall look remained consistent with previous-generation designs. The Passport's rugged appearance was more aesthetic than functional, with features like plastic faux skid plates and no lift kit. Inside, the Passport featured old-school physical controls and an 8-inch touchscreen, with a simple and unassuming interior design that emphasized utility.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased a more distinctive design, with a rounded profile that paid homage to its predecessors. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with unique interior colours, chunky air vents, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The interior felt upscale and special, with features like mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system.

The 2024 Honda Passport was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided adequate acceleration for its size. The Passport's torque-vectoring iVTM4 all-wheel-drive system and traction-management system added value, but its fuel economy was less impressive, rated at 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The TrailSport trim offered off-road enhancements, including wider tracks and tuned suspension, but road and wind noise were noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S performance models delivered impressive power, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness on backroads.

The 2024 Honda Passport excelled in cargo capacity, offering 1,430 litres of space behind the rear seats and expanding to 2,854 litres with the rear seats folded. It comfortably accommodated five adults, with ample storage and cupholders. The front-seat environment featured a redesigned centre console bin for increased storage, though it felt less airy.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with competitive cargo space of 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE provided slightly more second-row space than competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5 and others. The centre console offered reasonable storage, and the GLE's towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms.

The 2024 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its size felt inadequate for the spacious cabin. The infotainment system had sharp resolution but some usability issues, such as persistent turn-by-turn directions. The TrailSport trim's seven-speaker audio system was underwhelming compared to competitors' offerings.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX interface included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road features like a dashboard display and "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities.

The 2024 Honda Passport came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it received mixed crash test ratings, with the IIHS rating it "Acceptable" and "Marginal" in certain tests.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, with some available in the optional Driver Assistance Package. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.