2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, in contrast, embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, while still embodying modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights. The long hood and wide grille gave the GLC a dramatic stance, almost like a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, underscoring its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC’s cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing dash lines and a floating center touchscreen with rounded edges. Mercedes was moving towards larger screens and a more minimalist approach, but the GLC’s interior design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look. Standard equipment on the entry-level GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, dual USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and testing averaged 21.8 mpg. However, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy or icy conditions. Honda added a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the Odyssey’s ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience. The brakes, however, did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a heatwave test.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power was routed to the rear wheels or available 4MATIC AWD. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, with occasional lag when pulling away from a stop. The steering was soft but precise, and the GLC struck a balance between refined and responsive. For more power, the AMG GLA 45 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLA 63 featured a twin-turbo V8 with 469 hp or 503 hp in the 63 S variant, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe’s cargo space was reduced to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC’s interior featured a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe’s low roofline reduced headroom. The GLC made efficient use of its interior space, offering practical storage solutions.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, with both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone music apps required navigating through menus. Overall, the MBUX system was user-friendly and efficient.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother and more intuitive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front- and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. The parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. Some of these features were standard on rival models.