2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" 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, while the interior boasted opulent features such as large round vents and ambient lighting. The AMG models offered sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, sharing its platform with the Ford Escape, embraced a rugged aesthetic distinct from its sibling. Its design featured a rectangular grille with round headlights and "Bronco" lettering, echoing the larger Bronco's style. While not a convertible like the big Bronco, the Bronco Sport's square silhouette and approachable size made it appealing. For 2025, new off-road packages like the Black Diamond and Sasquatch added modular bumpers and underbody protection. The interior, though less distinctive, was functional, with new grab handles and auxiliary switches for off-roading. The Bronco Sport balanced ruggedness with practicality, offering a comfortable ride on and off the road.

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

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport continued with its previous powertrain options. Most trims featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, while the Badlands model offered a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Bronco Sport's AWD system included a dual-clutch rear-drive unit for torque vectoring, enhancing off-road capability. The new Sasquatch Package added off-road features like Trail Control and a one-pedal driving feature, making the Bronco Sport a formidable off-roader with impressive on-road comfort.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as large as some luxury SUVs, offered 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, competitive for a luxury SUV. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport balanced off-road capability with practicality. It offered more headroom than competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Forester Wilderness. Cargo space was competitive, with up to 1,846 litres available with the rear seats folded. The Bronco Sport included features like a device tray with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. It could tow up to 1,225 kilograms with the turbo-four engine, offering more capability than some rivals.

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, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Notable features included augmented reality navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport upgraded to the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing the user experience. The system included a 360-degree camera for off-road driving, with split-screen views for better obstacle detection. The infotainment system's graphics and functionality were significantly improved.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it a "Good" score in the small overlap front test and a "Marginal" score in the updated moderate overlap front test. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Reverse automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition were available on higher trims.