2026 Honda Passport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Redesigned for the 2026 model year, the Honda Passport now targets aspirational lifestyle SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner. While the Passport name remains, nearly everything else is new, from the exterior to the interior and the engine to the trunk. Honda’s two-row SUV is virtually unrecognizable compared with the outgoing generation.

Verdict: The 2026 Honda Passport is a well-rounded crossover SUV that shines with regard to cargo space and user-friendly tech. However, while the new Passport aims to be more capable off-road than its predecessor, it still lacks key features such as a locking differential and low-range 4WD, not to mention it carries a high price tag. While not ideal for hardcore off-roaders (it is, after all, a unibody construction), the 2026 Honda Passport is a solid choice for family adventurers in need of a comfortable and spacious crossover.

It could be said that the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, but that’s not entirely accurate. The S-Class sedan commands a significant premium over the GLS, while the legendary G-Class SUV is even more expensive than the S-Class. Nevertheless, for buyers who want a three-row SUV with a three-pointed star on its grille, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the right choice. It offers more passenger room and cargo space than any other model in the automaker’s lineup.

Verdict: Large luxury SUVs are a lot more expensive than they used to be. While the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS can’t match them for sheer size and capability, its manageable dimensions, undeniable comfort, refinement, and rewarding driving dynamics make a strong case.