2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite its modern updates, including a new grille and subtle bumper changes, the G-Class maintained its traditional features like a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches, which produced a distinctive clacking noise, added to its unique character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options and an extensive Manufaktur program for personalized exterior and interior combinations.

Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for the three differential locks, while AMG models sported a more dynamic steering wheel with additional controls. The interior, though opulent, maintained a rugged charm that aligned with the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in various trims, offered a new Panthera Grey paint colour and black badges for the X-Line and X-Pro versions. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706 in Canada, featured exclusive bumper covers, utility roof rails, and matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged appearance. Despite these features, the X-Pro's off-roading capabilities remained similar to the X-Line models, focusing more on aesthetics than functionality.

Inside, the Sorento X-Pro's Olive Brown interior, illuminated by a panoramic sunroof, combined luxury with practicality. The cabin materials varied in quality, reflecting the vehicle's competitive pricing. The X-Pro trim included leather seats, an artificial suede headliner, and a 24-inch panoramic display. The Sorento's interior design and features made it a compelling choice for families seeking a blend of style and utility.

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 new turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. 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, with top speeds of 210 km/h and 220 km/h, respectively.

The G63's AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, featuring hydraulic anti-roll control, enhanced both off-road and on-road dynamics. This system allowed drivers to adjust body roll, providing a more comfortable or sporty ride. The G 63 excelled in high-speed off-road driving, while the G 550 remained adept at low-speed, technical off-road manoeuvres. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class offered a plush ride with low wind and tire noise, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine for the LX trim and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine for other trims, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a more satisfying driving experience. The Sorento X-Pro achieved a fuel economy of 10.0 L/100 km during testing, slightly better than the official rating.

The Sorento X-Pro's 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires contributed to excellent ride quality and reduced noise. The SUV's AWD system, with torque vectoring and a locking centre differential, enhanced traction and handling on various terrains. The Sorento's driving dynamics, combined with its comfortable ride and responsive handling, made it a versatile choice for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its upright driving position and traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading but could be cumbersome when street parked. The G-Class's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was competitive, though slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger SUVs.

The 2025 Kia Sorento provided a spacious interior for families, with roomy first and second rows. The third-row seat accommodated adults for short trips, and the Sorento's cargo space was generous when the third row was folded. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments, while second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and USB ports. The Sorento's cargo capacity ranged from 357 litres with all seats up to 2,139 litres with the third row folded, making it a practical choice for families needing flexibility.

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 off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system added luxury.

The 2025 Kia Sorento's 24-inch panoramic display combined a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Sorento offered a touch-sensing control strip for infotainment and climate functions, though it could be frustrating to use. Digital Key technology and a digital rearview mirror added convenience, while the surround-view camera system facilitated parking.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, but it included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring enhanced safety.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with advanced collision avoidance and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) on higher trims. HDA 2 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it required regular driver input. The Sorento earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS for 2024, though changes in testing criteria might affect future ratings.