2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Hyundai Tucson

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, a continuation of its fourth generation, maintained its striking design introduced in 2022. Its sharp angles and innovative features, like the headlights seamlessly integrated into the grille, created a bold yet cohesive look. Even in a typically unflattering white, the Tucson stood out with its athletic presence and unique styling, distinguishing itself from the uniformity often seen in luxury brands. The interior mirrored this modern aesthetic, offering a tech-forward yet approachable cabin. While some controls, like the touch-capacitive volume buttons, were less intuitive, the overall layout was user-friendly, with strategically placed controls enhancing convenience.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its 1979 origins. Despite subtle updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class preserved its distinctive features, including flat fenders and robust doors. The interior, though luxurious, maintained a utilitarian feel with its upright seating position and prominent differential lock switches. While cargo space was limited compared to rivals, the G-Class offered a commanding view of the road and easier maneuverability due to its compact dimensions. The side-hinged tailgate, though potentially cumbersome in tight spaces, added to its unique character.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson in Canada featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled with highway acceleration, requiring significant throttle input and generating noticeable noise. For those seeking more power, the Tucson Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid offered 226 hp and 261 hp, respectively, though they came with a less intuitive button-style shifter. The Tucson excelled in ride comfort and handling, providing a smooth ride and precise steering, making it ideal for long trips or daily commutes.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a choice between the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, with the former featuring a new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine delivering 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and 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 it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model also introduced an Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road capability and on-road dynamics, though both models maintained a truck-like feel.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,119 litres available with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The hands-free power liftgate, available from the Preferred trim with the Trend package, added convenience, allowing easy access without needing to balance on one foot. The Tucson comfortably seated five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, making it suitable for longer trips. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, provided a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger rivals. The G-Class offered 640 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and its side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading in tight spaces. With a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, it matched midsize pickup trucks, though it fell short of some competitors. The G-Class provided excellent visibility and a commanding road view, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a fully digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The haptic volume toggle was less user-friendly, but the interface was glove-friendly, a boon in cold weather. Hyundai's remote start system was notably advanced, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and drive off without pressing the start button once inside.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless display across the dashboard. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. MBUX included augmented reality navigation and advanced voice recognition, with specific commands for the G-Class. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens were expected to be standard, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and Smart Park remote-parking. The Tucson received high safety ratings from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while unrated by IIHS and NHTSA, was expected to include standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring enhanced safety. The emergency-stop feature added an extra layer of protection.