2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Kia Telluride

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 robust doors and latches added to its unique character, making it stand out among luxury SUVs. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, while the Manufaktur program offered extensive customization options. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with sci-fi aesthetics, featuring ambient lighting and metallic trim. The AMG models offered sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Kia Telluride, available in five trims, offered a striking design with upscale details. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements. The X-Pro trim, with its Midnight Lake Blue paint, showcased the Telluride's rugged appeal. Inside, the Telluride impressed with its black-over-Terracotta interior, featuring Nappa leather and simulated wood trim. The dual-screen display provided a modern touch, while the retention of physical buttons ensured ease of use. Despite some lower-quality plastics, the Telluride's interior offered a luxurious feel, making it a compelling choice in the crowded SUV market.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the G 550 with a turbocharged 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 the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart. While some competitors switched to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 provided smooth and ample power. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over a long road trip. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's suspension and tires provided a comfortable ride on various surfaces, although brake pedal behaviour in traffic was occasionally problematic.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available behind the rear seats. 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 provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Kia Telluride impressed with its thoughtful interior design. Heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C ports, and smartphone storage sleeves enhanced passenger comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and storage solutions. The third-row seat, while folded for luggage, offered reasonable comfort for adults. The Telluride provided 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded. While not class-leading, the Telluride's cargo space was sufficient for most needs.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens created a seamless display, offering off-road information and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced usability. A Burmester 3D surround sound system, dashcam, and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard, providing a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2025 Kia Telluride offered a 12.3-inch digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment system. A head-up display complemented these screens, providing blind-spot alerts. The Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, relying on a USB-A data port. The native voice recognition system was basic, but the SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity provided entertainment options. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Expected standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 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.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Higher trims added features like reverse automatic braking and front cross-traffic alert. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.