2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer marked a significant evolution from its predecessors, showcasing a more compact and aggressive design. Its sporty appearance was further enhanced by a minor styling refresh, featuring thinner accent lights and a reshaped grille, giving it a more athletic and serious look. Inside, the Trailblazer boasted a modern dashboard with a new digital instrument panel and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen, although the use of harder plastics was noticeable upon closer inspection. Despite this, the interior offered a comfortable and inviting space, with padded armrests and fabric inserts in the door panels.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its utilitarian roots dating back to 1979. Subtle styling updates included a new grille and bumpers, while traditional features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights remained unchanged. The G-Class's interior exuded opulence, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim creating a sci-fi aesthetic. The switches for the three differential locks were prominently placed on the dashboard, and AMG models featured a sportier steering wheel, enhancing the vehicle's rugged yet luxurious character.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels, resulting in sluggish performance. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite the increased power, acceleration remained underwhelming, with a zero to 100 km/h time exceeding nine seconds. The Trailblazer prioritized comfort over performance, offering a smooth ride and muted road noise.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, generating 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models incorporated a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model also boasted an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer provided ample interior space, with excellent outward visibility and a roomy front cabin. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adult passengers, offering generous legroom and headroom. Cargo space was impressive, with 716 litres available behind the rear seats, nearly matching the Hyundai Kona's capacity. The Trailblazer also featured a hands-free power liftgate with a selectable opening height, adding convenience to its practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. However, legroom was somewhat limited due to its compact dimensions. The G-Class's cargo space measured 640 litres with the rear seats in place, falling short of competitors like the Range Rover. Despite this, the G-Class excelled in towing capacity, with both the G 550 and AMG G 63 capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms. The vehicle's design provided excellent forward visibility, and its compact size made parking more manageable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system's response time was slightly delayed, it was user-friendly and well-placed in the driver's sightline. The Trailblazer lacked a native navigation system, relying on smartphone connectivity for navigation. The base audio system performed adequately, with an optional Bose upgrade available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expected as standard. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The G-Class included off-road-specific features like a "Transparent Hood" and augmented reality navigation. A Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with standard features including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features included a blind-spot monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer's safety systems performed reliably, with no false alarms or glitches.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it was expected to include a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop function.