2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered two models in the U.S.: the G550 and the AMG G63, both allowing extensive customization through the G Manufaktur Program. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, creating a modern and immersive driving environment. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular stance and athletic styling, aligning with Dodge's family of performance vehicles. The Durango's design was refreshed for 2021, particularly evident in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, and LED headlamps. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, allowing for personalization. Inside, the Durango's cabin was updated with a new instrument panel and touchscreen options, enhancing its modern appeal. The SUV's interior was spacious, with seating for up to seven and a variety of upholstery options, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a surprisingly agile driving experience, though its fuel economy was a modest 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered a range of engines, from a 3.6-liter V6 to a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model, which delivered an astounding 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The Durango's performance was versatile, with smooth acceleration and precise steering, though its chassis showed its age on rough roads. The Durango SRT models featured performance pages for tracking vehicle metrics, enhancing the driving experience. The R/T model, equipped with a 5.7-liter V8, offered a Tow N Go Package, providing a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. The Durango's performance was robust, making it a strong contender for those seeking power and practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet functional interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and comfortable seating for five. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's design included practical elements like a rear-mounted spare tire, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering seating for up to seven across three rows. The front and second-row seats were spacious, with the third row providing more room than many competitors. The Durango's cargo space was average for its class, but its versatility and improved fit and finish made it a strong choice for families. With 21 seat options, the Durango catered to a variety of preferences, enhancing its appeal as a practical and comfortable SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. The screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, enhancing the in-cabin experience. The COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered intuitive control over the vehicle's features. Standard connectivity options included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was not available.

The 2021 Dodge Durango was equipped with the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a faster and more personalized experience. The system supported multiple user profiles, simultaneous Bluetooth connections, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen, enhancing the user experience. The Durango also offered a family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD capabilities. The TomTom navigation system was a standout feature, providing clear and responsive guidance, though a head-up display was not available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included a range of standard safety features, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, and active brake assist. However, its active lane-keeping assist was noted for being abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness, but its size and construction provided inherent safety advantages.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered limited standard active safety features, with only a rearview camera included. Optional safety features varied by trim level and package, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, though front crash testing ratings were pending.