2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Nissan Murano

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 robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior was opulent, featuring Mercedes' design aesthetic with large round vents and ambient lighting, while AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a completely new front look, with a wing motif lighting signature and a wider stance, thanks to increased dimensions. The chrome arch along the windows and winged LEDs were standout styling elements, though not entirely original. The Murano's interior saw a modern update with a sleeker dash layout and a new infotainment screen setup. The push-button gear selector streamlined the centre console, and the new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash added a unique aesthetic touch. The SL trim level introduced leatherette seating surfaces, a downgrade from genuine leather in previous models.

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 with 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft 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 nine-speed automatic transmissions. 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 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, known as VC-Turbo, with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain improved acceleration compared to the previous V6 engine. The Murano's AWD system remained standard in Canada. Despite concerns about visibility due to the high beltline, the Murano offered a comfortable driving experience with features like Transparent Hood View and active noise cancellation. The new Bose audio system enhanced the driving experience further.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall-yet-short 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, and its relatively short length and narrow width made parking easier. The vehicle provided a commanding view of the road, aided by thin roof pillars and short overhangs.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer impressive comfort features, including standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functionality, while the SL trim introduced rear-seat heating. The Murano's interior dimensions improved in the front row, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost 6 cm of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 931 litres of storage space behind the rear seats. The Murano also featured a power liftgate, which became foot-activated with the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expected as standard. Two 12.3-inch screens created a continuous display across the dashboard, and the off-road menu provided useful information for adventurous drivers. Notable features included augmented reality navigation and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. The G-Class also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came equipped with wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The monolith-style display paired two 12.3-inch screens, and four USB type C ports were included. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The Murano Platinum added a head-up display, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The new Murano added ProPILOT Assist, with the SL and Platinum trims offering a more advanced version. The third-generation Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the new model introduced additional safety features like a passenger's side airbag and Transparent Hood View.