2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Black Edition, evaluated in Southern California, featured a striking Modern Steel paint and blacked-out exterior elements. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, creating a unique aesthetic. Despite its rugged redesign in 2023, the Pilot maintained a suburban-friendly appearance. The interior, while practical and well-designed, lacked a modern "wow factor" due to its smaller digital displays.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, refreshed in 2024, retained its distinctive design with a rounded profile and squared-off wheel arches. The GLE Coupe models exaggerated these proportions with a fastback-style roofline. New paint options and Manufaktur interior colors added personalization choices. The interior felt upscale with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting. Despite its bulkier appearance, the GLE maintained a strong brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered various driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The AWD system provided torque vectoring and hill descent control. While the V6 delivered good acceleration, the transmission occasionally lagged. Fuel economy was underwhelming, averaging 20 mpg. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, though body motion was noticeable on winding roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 started with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 hp, while the GLE 450 featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp. AMG models delivered even more power, with the GLE 63 S reaching 603 hp. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuverability challenging. However, its refinement and performance were commendable.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in practicality with three rows of seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The Black Edition's front seats were comfortable, though the passenger seat lacked adjustability. The second row offered removable seats for flexibility, while the third row accommodated adults for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Features like a hands-free power tailgate and triple-zone climate control added convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two- and three-row configurations, though third-row specs were not published. The front seats provided a high seating position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample space, with more legroom than some rivals. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and voice recognition was inconsistent. The CabinTalk feature allowed communication with rear passengers, while a small head-up display provided basic information.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. The MBUX system offered wireless smartphone integration and voice recognition. AMG models included additional drive modes and settings accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced its capabilities. The GLE's technology was comprehensive, though the interface could be overwhelming.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist had issues, affecting driver confidence. The Pilot earned high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA awarding it five stars.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.