2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new sheet metal, a fresh chassis, and additional colour options like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. While its wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged, the Crosstrek boasted a steeper departure angle, though cargo space was slightly reduced. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. In Canada, standard roof rails added to its outdoorsy appeal, although crossbars were sold separately. The Crosstrek's LED headlights seamlessly integrated with the new wing bar, giving the front a distinctive, smiling appearance. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, with air inlets and outlets enhancing aerodynamics. The split taillight design from the second generation continued, allowing for wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim introduced unique design elements, including a hexagonal grille, larger cladding, and increased ground clearance to 23.5 centimetres. Inside, StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents added flair, while all-weather floormats and an LED-lit tailgate improved functionality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the 1979 Geländewagen. 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 robust doors and latches added to its character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550. Wheel options ranged from 19-inch to 22-inch, with the AMG G 63 featuring carbon-fibre trim. The Manufaktur program offered extensive customization options. Inside, the G-Class exuded luxury with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for the three differential locks, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels. Despite its rugged exterior, the G-Class interior was opulent, offering a sci-fi aesthetic and a commanding view of the road.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Wilderness trim, and a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The latter was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Subaru had refined to minimize droning and rubber banding. The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a new dual-pinion steering rack. The Wilderness trim featured different gearing for tackling uphill terrain and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all trims, enhanced off-road capability. Fuel economy for the 2.0-litre engine was estimated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 on the highway, while the 2.5-litre engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, and the AMG G 63 with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. 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 G 63 introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious ride akin to a Ford Bronco Raptor. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The trunk provided 564 litres of space, expandable to 1,549 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior featured robust, easy-to-clean materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. A heated steering wheel was available on all but the base trim, and the centre console accommodated two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered ample headroom but limited legroom due to its tall-yet-short passenger compartment. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was 640 litres with the rear seats in place, less than competitors like the Range Rover. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading but could be cumbersome when street parked. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class was easy to manoeuvre, with good visibility and manageable parking dimensions.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charger available on higher trims. The Limited trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Subaru Starlink technology provided a user-friendly interface, though glare and menu navigation were noted drawbacks.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment display, creating a seamless dashboard experience. Off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and voice recognition enhanced functionality. A Burmester 3D surround sound system, dashcam, and rear-seat entertainment system were expected features.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a history of top safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick since 2013. The 2024 model included Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2024, EyeSight offered a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering.

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