2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Sport trim was the most affordable, but it lacked many appealing amenities, making the leather-lined EX-L a more recommended choice. Prices ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The Black Edition, evaluated in Southern California, featured a Modern Steel paint color and no additional options, bringing its MSRP to $55,975, including destination. This edition was based on the Pilot Elite and featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. While the Black Edition's custom look was more suited for suburban environments, the Pilot overall was an attractive SUV with a rugged design. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated, lacking a significant "wow factor."

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, adding 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package with massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The test vehicle's MSRP was $96,400, including destination. The Manufaktur Edition GLS came in exclusive paint colors, with the test vehicle sporting Manufaktur Silicon Grey. The interior, similar to the smaller Mercedes GLE-Class, featured high-quality materials and detailing, though body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 offered artificial leather as standard upholstery, with three grades of leather available. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the GLS provided a tailored feel, making it easier to manage in urban and suburban settings compared to larger luxury SUVs.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This drivetrain allowed most Pilot models to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. Pilots with the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system featured hill descent control and up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance (8.3 inches for the TrailSport). The AWD system's torque vectoring allowed up to 70 percent of engine output to flow to a single rear wheel (75 percent in the TrailSport). The V6 provided good acceleration, though the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with an observed 17.8 mpg in city-heavy driving and 20 mpg on the evaluation loop, falling short of the EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Pilot's handling was predictable and secure, with a compliant suspension benefiting typical driving situations. The Black Edition's 20-inch wheels and tires contributed to its driving dynamics.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, though the test-drive observed 19.4 mpg. It featured Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS provided a tailored feel, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics. The powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but Sport mode mitigated these characteristics. The GLS was easier to manage in urban and suburban situations, with a supple ride and deft handling.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the Black Edition's front passenger seat had only a four-way adjustment, lacking height and cushion tilt adjustments. The front seats were otherwise comfortable, with heating and ventilation, and wrapped in quality leather. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for captain’s chairs. The third row was habitable for adults if the second row slid forward. The Pilot featured a remote engine starting system, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space included 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat provided good thigh support, though legroom was snug. Storage locations were limited, with a small center armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 to 48.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens compared to rivals. The Black Edition featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, and the Bose audio system was adequate but not exceptional. The Pilot included a CabinTalk feature for driver-passenger communication and a small head-up display.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a standard Burmester surround-sound system. Options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was easy to use, with a digital assistant for voice commands. The assistant performed well, though it stumbled with specific requests.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. It featured parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a hands-on driver-assistance system. The GLS required active driver participation, with some limitations in handling curves. It braked harder than necessary in certain situations, but overall, it behaved like a refined partner on longer drives.