2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Acura RDX

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's character was further emphasized by its robust doors and latches, which produced a distinctive clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2025 Acura RDX, positioned between the smaller ADX and larger MDX, offered a sleek design with a frameless grille and new paint options. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 20-inch wheels and full leather upholstery, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior boasted a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and premium materials, though the A-Spec's gauges were harder to read due to low contrast. The RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was less intuitive, but the vehicle's overall design and comfort made it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the G 550 with a 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft 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 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided agile handling. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered multiple driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension adjusted to the driver's selection. Despite its lively performance, the RDX's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.6 L/100 km during testing. The RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, though it lacked the thrill of a true performance model.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than some luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, and its design provided good visibility and easier parking compared to larger rivals.

The 2025 Acura RDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation in the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces and generous storage space, including 835 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,668 litres when folded. The RDX's interior layout and comfort made it practical for daily use, though the rear seats lacked proper leg support for taller passengers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment were also expected to be standard.

The 2025 Acura RDX's infotainment system was accessed via a 10.2-inch display and TTI touchpad. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in. The system included SiriusXM, AcuraLink connected services, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers. Despite the TTI's learning curve, the RDX provided a range of tech features for convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered additional features like low-speed braking and a surround-view camera. The RDX received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.