2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Subaru Ascent had a design that was both functional and practical, though it lacked sophistication and modernity. Subaru's design approach often resulted in vehicles that appeared as if they were assembled from modular components, akin to a giant Lego set. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Premier trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, offering a sense of luxury. However, the exterior styling was less appealing, with the latest refresh introducing visually offensive elements like tusks and a spear-like grille design. Despite these design choices, the Ascent remained a practical choice with features like a panoramic sunroof and a surround-view camera.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its heritage dating back to 1979. While subtle updates were made to the grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors. The interior was opulent, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents and ambient lighting. The G-Class's design was both a tribute to its utilitarian origins and a showcase of modern luxury, with features like a sporty AMG steering wheel and a Manufaktur program offering extensive customization options.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, made the Ascent a versatile companion for various driving conditions. It excelled in urban environments, rural roads, and off-road trails, offering a rally car-like experience on gravel roads. However, its performance was limited by its weight and suspension, making it less agile on twisty mountain roads. Fuel economy was a concern, with the Ascent returning 14.0 L/100 km in the city during testing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a choice between the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, both equipped with powerful engines. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 577 horsepower. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The G-Class's performance was impressive, with the G 550 accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds and the G 63 in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also boasted an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized functionality, with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was noted. The Ascent's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy loading of children and cargo. While the third-row seat was suitable for short trips, the Ascent's cargo space was generous, offering up to 2,140 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, provided ample headroom and a commanding view of the road. 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 towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was competitive. Despite its utilitarian roots, the G-Class's interior was luxurious, with features like thin roof pillars for better visibility and corner lamps for tracking the hood's end.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system worked well, the display was prone to washing out in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs were included for commonly used functions, and the Premier trim offered a surround-view camera and a digital rearview camera.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The G-Class included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Its EyeSight package included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its unpredictability and resistance to driver inputs.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to include standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. 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 and automated lane centring.