2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. 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 2022 Toyota RAV4, a leader in the crossover SUV market, had evolved significantly since its introduction in 1996. While its exterior design blended with the current crossover trends, it featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a layered dash with contrasting textures and a user-friendly center stack. The cabin's design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various elements together, providing a cohesive and modern feel. The RAV4's design was both functional and stylish, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

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. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like Dynamic Select driving programs and adjustable suspension options. The AMG 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 offered a surprisingly agile driving experience, though its fuel economy was a trade-off, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of powertrains, including a gasoline-only model with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models offered enhanced efficiency, with the Hybrid achieving 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the Prime delivered 302 horsepower and an electric-only range of 42 miles. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and available all-wheel drive with Multi-Terrain Select. The RAV4's performance was versatile, catering to both efficiency-minded drivers and those seeking a bit more power.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G550's cabin was roomy, with ample headroom and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The G-Class also boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided a practical and comfortable interior, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RAV4's cabin was designed for convenience, with plenty of storage options and comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. The RAV4's interior was both functional and accommodating, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class also included a Burmester Surround Sound system, COMAND infotainment system, and various connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was notably absent.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and expanding to a 9-inch screen on higher trims. The RAV4 included standard features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered an 11-speaker JBL audio system and additional tech like a head-up display and wireless charging. The RAV4's technology package was comprehensive, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a suite of safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its size and weight required careful handling to avoid potential hazards to pedestrians and other vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 received high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.