2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while functional, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. It shared a similar look with many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from its grille and some chromed plastic accents. The color palette was limited, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being scarce and mostly available on higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of black, gray, or ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a more striking appearance, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork. Despite the SUV coupe trend, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to avoid offensive styling. Inside, it was luxurious, featuring high-end materials like Nappa leather and a Dinamica suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech feel, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design cleverly masked the vehicle's complexity, though it required some acclimation to operate smoothly.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling acceleration or sporty handling. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup offered decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, on the other hand, delivered robust performance with its 429-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, featuring EQ Boost for added power and fuel efficiency. The SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system enhanced its driving dynamics. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for spirited driving. The GLE Coupe's performance was further bolstered by AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes, providing a nimble and composed ride.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The cargo area was accessible via a manual or power tailgate, depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's design focused on accommodating five passengers comfortably and carrying their gear efficiently.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, while technically seating five, was more comfortable for four passengers. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe included luxury features like a four-zone climate control system and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the overall comfort and experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. It included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester surround-sound system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, and an upgraded Burmester audio system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe included numerous safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems for driver support and collision avoidance. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist enhancing safety.