2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

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. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fibre trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with sci-fi aesthetics, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, available in six trims, showcased a distinctive front design with a thin upper eyebrow and large square headlights. While the lighting design remained unchanged, subtle modifications to the grille and diffuser were made for 2025. Inside, the top GT Premium trim offered quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system. The Yamaha speaker faces in the doors added a touch of elegance. However, some plastic elements detracted from the overall premium feel. The Outlander provided a practical interior with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and spacious cup holders, although deeper cup holders would have been beneficial.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with the 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 incorporated a mild-hybrid system, enhancing power at lower speeds. 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 system, improving both off-road and on-road dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious and powerful experience.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V, the Outlander lacked power, making acceleration a challenge. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) offered eight steps but suffered from a droning sensation. The Outlander’s fuel economy was less impressive than some rivals, with a rating of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The plug-in hybrid variant provided a more powerful option with 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, along with a fuel rating of 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 61 kilometres of all-electric range.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered ample headroom but limited legroom due to its tall-yet-short passenger compartment. The traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading but posed challenges when street parked. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, suitable only for small children due to limited legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was less than 308 litres, but folding the seats increased storage to 866 litres. The driver's seat featured accessible physical controls for the HVAC system, and the top-line model offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The cup holders accommodated large cups but needed deeper design to prevent spills.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (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. A Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos was expected to be standard, along with a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander introduced a Yamaha premium sound system with customizable sound modes. The infotainment system included a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with physical controls for volume and camera activation. Upper trims featured a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect offered remote services, including starting heated seats and defrosters, with a five-year trial included.

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 Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for potential crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a limited suite of standard ADAS features, with additional features available on higher trims. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received favourable ratings in side and frontal crashes. The IIHS rated the 2025 Outlander’s headlights as "Good," with previous models receiving positive ratings for crashworthiness and front crash prevention with pedestrians.