2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that was easy to overlook, even for seasoned observers. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of ten for its exterior, though the colour and wheels tempted a higher rating. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The interior offered ten colour choices and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with a base price of $48,909, presented a more affordable electrified SUV option. Its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim gave it a sporty look, while the interior remained basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint. The CR-V's conservative styling, with a technical face and Volvo-adjacent taillights, provided an upscale appearance. The Touring's 19-inch gloss black wheels added shine, though they blended with darker paint colours. Inside, the Touring offered leather seats with orange contrast stitching, a soft-touch dashboard, and metal mesh air vents, creating a sophisticated cabin in the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $82,800. The Canadian lineup included the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, and the upcoming GLE 450e PHEV. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six in the AMG GLE 53. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a 77-kilometre electric range. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, though the regenerative brakes felt slightly numb. The GLE 450e excelled in performance, offering a quiet cabin and supple suspension.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. It delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was estimated at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres, though it returned 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop. The CR-V Hybrid Touring provided a quiet ride with predictable handling, though the steering effort was unusually heavy. The CR-V was easy to drive, but it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to the light beige upholstery. The GLE 450e provided 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e also boasted a range of luxury features, such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear seats. The CR-V's back seat was spacious, with a high bottom cushion and adjustable backrest angle. The CR-V Hybrid provided 1,028 litres of cargo space, with a maximum of 2,030 litres with the back seat folded down. The hands-free power rear liftgate added convenience, and the CR-V's roomy interior made it ideal for families.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. Optional features included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, and the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused issues.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included active lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for 2024, a downgrade from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award.