2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Honda Odyssey

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, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was opulent, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the rugged yet luxurious feel of the G-Class.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Odyssey continued its lineage from the 2011 model, with a design that was familiar and functional rather than groundbreaking. The interior was practical, with buttons and knobs that were easy to use, thanks to bright white markings on matte black backgrounds. The Odyssey was available in Sport, Sport-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims in Canada, with a base price reduction due to a new entry-level Sport version. The interior featured high-quality materials, particularly in the Touring trim, but styling was not its main selling point. The Odyssey focused on practicality and comfort, with leather seats and a user-friendly layout.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, as well as a new all-electric G 580 variant. 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 4WD. 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 system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey, while not focused on driving excitement, offered a reliable 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Odyssey's fuel economy was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed variations. Compared to hybrid rivals, the Odyssey's fuel economy was less competitive, but its V6 provided strong performance. The Odyssey excelled in ride and handling, offering a natural driving experience with responsive steering and braking. It was comfortable on long road trips and easy to navigate in city driving, though it lacked a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger rivals. The G-Class had a cargo capacity of 640 litres with the rear seats in place, less than competitors like the Range Rover. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading in tight spaces, and the G-Class boasted a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Despite its size, the G-Class provided a commanding view of the road and reasonable visibility.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in maximizing interior space, accommodating eight passengers and offering up to 3,973 litres of cargo space. It featured power-adjustable front seats, Magic Slide second-row seats, and a roomy third-row seat. The Magic Slide seats allowed for various configurations, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Odyssey's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and features like a conversation mirror and Cabin Talk intercom. While the Odyssey's seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked heating or ventilation, and the third-row seat was spacious enough for adults or children.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expected as standard. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature for improved visibility. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and wireless smartphone charging was available on higher trims. The infotainment system, while improved, still had dated graphics and limited voice recognition capabilities. The Odyssey introduced a new rear-seat entertainment system, though it required personal device connections and was challenging to use. The Odyssey's technology was functional but not as advanced as the G-Class.

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, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. 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, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Odyssey performed well in NHTSA and IIHS safety tests, except for a "Poor" rating in a new evaluation. The Honda Sensing features generally operated smoothly, though some aspects, like lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control, could be improved.