2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 GMC Acadia

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 27 centimetres longer and 8 centimetres taller than the 2023 model, with styling that accentuated its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition to the vehicle's bulk, visible in certain lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette. The Acadia was available in three trims: Elevation, AT4, and Denali, each with unique styling elements. The Denali trim featured a toned-down grille with intricate detailing, while the AT4 had rugged features like red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the dashboard was lowered to enhance visibility, and the interior was rearranged to accommodate larger screens, creating a spacious feel. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which didn't quite match its luxe billing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the 1979 G-Wagen. While it had undergone continuous updates, the 2025 model featured subtle styling changes, including a new grille and bumpers. Traditional design elements like the flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged, contributing to the G-Class's unique character. Functional updates included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 model. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fibre trim. The interior was opulent, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim creating a sci-fi aesthetic. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for the three differential locks, and AMG models had sportier steering wheels. The G-Class's design and features made it a distinctive and luxurious choice in the SUV market.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-litre V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four engine provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with an available towing package. However, the engine's coarse note was less appealing, especially in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with the AT4 model featuring a twin-clutch system for off-road driving. The AT4 also had a 2.5-centimetre ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for off-road use. While the Acadia AT4 was a capable light off-roader, it couldn't match the capabilities of GMC's more rugged models. The Denali and AT4 trims had different suspension tuning, with the Denali offering a comfortable ride despite its large wheels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models included 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 G 63 also featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. This system allowed drivers to adjust body roll levels, providing a more comfortable or sporty ride. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering high-speed comfort on rough terrain. On-road, both models provided a plush ride, with low wind and tire noise.

The 2024 GMC Acadia offered a spacious interior with more headroom across all three rows compared to competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. It also provided more first-row legroom, although the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows. The Acadia's cargo space was impressive, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with both the second and third rows folded. These figures represented significant improvements over the 2023 model. The Acadia also featured an underfloor storage bin and a "presence-based" power liftgate for hands-free access. Small-item storage was reasonable, but the headlight controls were only accessible via the touchscreen.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was more compact than other luxury SUVs, with a shorter length and narrower width. This design provided a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but less legroom than expected. The driving position was upright, reflecting the G-Class's utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading, but the G-Class's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds) was slightly lower than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with an optional 16-speaker system available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, providing a user-friendly experience. The touchscreen layout was logical, with climate control readouts and physical buttons for easy access. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, although small drive-mode icons could be overlooked.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured 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 information, a "Transparent Hood" feature, and augmented reality navigation. Voice recognition was highly effective, with approximately 20 new commands for the G-Class. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for its moderate overlap front test and collision prevention system, but a Marginal score for its headlights. NHTSA ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The Acadia also offered the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.