2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sporty exterior with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though its interior was basic unless upgraded to the leather-lined Sport-L Hybrid or the top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid. The Sport Touring model, priced at $41,175 with destination charges, featured Canyon River Blue paint and exclusive 19-inch gloss black wheels. Its design was conservative, with a technical front resembling an angry robot, but it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. The rear quarter view was more appealing, with Volvo-like taillights and a tidy design. Inside, the Sport Touring offered leather seats with orange stitching and quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vents, creating a sophisticated cabin feel.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned for 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs with a rounded profile and squared-off wheel arches. Its styling was consistent with the brand, though the proportions were odd, especially in the GLE Coupe models. New paint colors and Manufaktur interiors added personalization options, with our test car featuring a Yacht Blue interior. The GLE's interior was upscale, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. Despite its refinement, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower. The system operated transparently, though it produced a low-speed acoustic warning and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, with standard AWD, achieved 32.4 mpg in testing, below the EPA's 37 mpg estimate. It offered a quiet ride, predictable handling, and impressive grip, though the steering was heavy. While easy to drive, it wasn't suited for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 375-hp inline-six, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a 510-hp V8. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp, the latter achieving 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The GLE impressed with its refinement, though it felt larger than its size, making it less nimble on backroads.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while the rear seat offered generous legroom and a high cushion for comfort. The CR-V's cargo space ranged from 34.7 to 36.3 cubic feet, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the glove compartment was smaller than expected, and a front seatback pocket was missing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two- and three-row configurations, though third-row specs weren't published. The front seats offered a high SUV-like position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in most rivals, with additional legroom compared to competitors. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. It also offered a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, competitive with other luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging, were reserved for higher trims. The Sport 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 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition, were available. AMG models had additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities, though it wasn't as fun off-road as some rivals.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It performed well in testing, though lane-departure warnings were occasionally inaccurate. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.