2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 a unique retro exterior, unlike any other vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin atmosphere. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in the crowded midsize SUV market with its distinctive styling. Its wide headlights, long hood, and trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The Highlander’s design was further accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car and taillights inspired by Lexus models. The 2021 model introduced the XSE trim, which added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Highlander Limited trim offered an upscale feel with chrome accents and a well-crafted interior, emphasizing comfort and convenience over sportiness.

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 just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class had a turning circle of 44.6 feet and impressive off-road capabilities, though its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, while not a performance beast, offered a reliable and smooth driving experience. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Highlander provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it wasn’t designed for speed. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained focused on comfort and practicality. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it lagged behind the Ford Explorer ST in performance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious 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 roomy, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a distinctive exterior spare tire, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in practicality, with a well-designed interior featuring large shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. The second-row seats offered generous legroom and could slide to adjust space for third-row passengers. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down. The Highlander’s interior was comfortable, though the placement of rear-seat climate vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, including twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to create a personalized cabin environment. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered intuitive operation. The G-Class also featured a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard smartphone integration, though it lacked wireless charging.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was an optional feature, though it struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, but the larger screen’s limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its active lane-keeping assist could be intrusive, requiring careful use. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with advanced systems like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It also included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.