2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its prestigious brand, did not captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, lacking the sleek proportions seen in competitors like BMW or Audi. The aggressive front nose promised more than the rest of the vehicle delivered, with the design tapering off into a less distinctive form past the A-pillar. However, the interior was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and cohesive redesign. The cabin was a masterpiece of quality and style, featuring a bold red and black colour scheme, high-end materials, and innovative design elements like LED-outlined grab handles. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence, though it required significant options to truly feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights added a fresh touch, while the gloss black spear and chrome insert at the rear provided a contemporary feel. The Odyssey offered a range of trim levels, with the Touring trim featuring new 19-inch alloy wheels and a more luxurious interior. The perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting in the Touring trim elevated the minivan's appeal, making it a credible contender in its segment. Despite its utilitarian roots, the Odyssey's updates brought it closer to a premium experience, especially in the higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV, boasting a complex air suspension and turbocharged engine setup. The GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung suspension, while the GLE 450 offered AIRMATIC with self-leveling air springs and adaptive dampers. The AMG models took it further with AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, providing exceptional handling and ride quality. The GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered quick acceleration, though not as thrilling as expected. The hybrid EQ Boost system added power and efficiency, though fuel consumption remained average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. All GLE models came with standard 4MATIC AWD, offering impressive towing capacity and a dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and effortless power delivery. The engine's variable cylinder management improved fuel efficiency, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of AWD put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The new electronic brake booster enhanced the adaptive cruise control's low-speed following capability, while the ride and handling remained enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for improvement in this area.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The SUV provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,055 litres with all seats folded. The Coupe variant, however, offered less space due to its sloping roofline. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, with intuitive controls and a simplified interface. The GLE's interior was well-appointed, though setting up the vehicle required some initial effort.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered various configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with all seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior featured logical controls and ample storage, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing gesture control for various functions. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking, while the Seat Kinetics system adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE offered a range of luxury features, including a head-up display, ambient lighting, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated driving features added convenience, though the extensive technology could be overwhelming for some users.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim featured an 11-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, lacked a touchscreen, which disappointed younger passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating. The GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection, while the brakes and stability control provided additional safety measures.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the latter awarding it five stars in most categories. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother, and the lane-departure warning system's notifications were less refined.