2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a new light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a refreshed appearance without significant cost increases. The test model showcased the new “Pluton Blue” paint, adding a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos introduced a new Gentle Brown interior colour, although the test model retained the standard black interior. A significant interior update was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its 1979 origins. Subtle styling updates included a new grille and front and rear bumpers, while traditional features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights remained unchanged. The G-Class's robust doors and latches added to its unique character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a luxurious interior with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels. The Manufaktur program provided extensive customization options for exterior paint and interior trim.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Front-wheel drive was standard, with optional all-wheel drive available. The SX and X-Line trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in Sport mode, and handled various road conditions with ease.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models incorporated a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions 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 introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 753 litres with the seats in use. A hands-free power liftgate was standard from the EX Premium trim. The Seltos offered an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the front centre console featured an open tray design for storing essentials.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was 640 litres with the rear seats in place, and the side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, and the larger screen was responsive and well-sized. The SX and X-Line trims offered an upgraded Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous 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. A Burmester 3D surround sound system, dashcam, and rear-seat entertainment system were also expected to be standard.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX Premium trim added smart adaptive cruise control, while the SX included traffic sign recognition and highway driving assist. The drive-away warning feature alerted drivers if they were distracted when traffic moved.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was expected to include standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.