2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Ford Expedition

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 both urban and adventurous settings.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a full-size SUV that prioritized comfort and utility. It was the most luxurious trim in the Expedition lineup, offering features like power-deploying running boards and a spacious interior with large, comfortable seats. The Expedition's design was bold, with a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, giving it a commanding presence. However, its regular-length version struggled with cargo space when fully loaded with passengers. The Expedition MAX variant addressed this issue, providing ample room for both passengers and luggage. Overall, the Expedition was a practical choice for families needing a spacious and comfortable vehicle.

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 had a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a high ground clearance. 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 nimble and dynamic driving experience, though its fuel economy was less than stellar.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. It had a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered both RWD and 4WD options. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easy trailer maneuvering. While the Expedition's ride quality was affected by its large wheels, its independent suspension ensured stability and comfort. The FX4 Off-Road Package enhanced its off-road capabilities, though our test vehicle did not include this option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It 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 legroom, and featured numerous storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large seats and ample storage. The regular-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Expedition MAX provided even more space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo room. The high cargo floor liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items. Overall, the Expedition was a practical choice for families needing a spacious and comfortable vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive driving experience. The G-Class used the latest Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. Standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was not available.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while aging, offered essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly but felt small compared to competitors. The Expedition included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available rear-seat entertainment system provided dual screens and various connectivity options, enhancing the in-car experience for passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its body-on-frame construction provided safety advantages in certain crashes, though its size and weight required responsible driving. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating varied between three and four stars depending on the drivetrain. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Expedition's safety technology was effective without being intrusive, though more advanced systems were anticipated in future models.