2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

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.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the U.S.-only 1794 Edition, showcased a distinct look with dark grey 20-inch wheels and less chrome. In Canada, the Sequoia lineup included trims like the SR5 TRD Off-road and Capstone, with prices ranging from $87,174 to $106,175. The Sequoia's Lunar Rock paint turned heads, despite the model being on the market for a few years. The interior, while featuring leather upholstery in the test model, was largely covered in typical Toyota-grade plastic. The Sequoia's design and materials reflected its focus on practicality over luxury.

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, 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, enhancing performance at lower speeds. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds, reaching 220 km/h. The AMG G 63 also featured the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension, improving both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight of 2,790 kilograms, the Sequoia offered quick acceleration and a robust engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 4,137 kilograms and a peak payload of 640 kilograms. However, its solid rear axle and high floor compromised driving dynamics and interior space, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability.

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, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though seven or six would be more comfortable. The Platinum and Capstone trims featured 10-way power adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The Sequoia's high floor and low roof made third-row access awkward, and cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres available with the third row in use. Folding the third row increased cargo space to 1,387 litres, but this was still less than rival SUVs. The Sequoia's design prioritized passenger comfort and practicality over maximum cargo capacity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. 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 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Limited trim onwards. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered connected services, including cloud-based navigation and remote engine starting. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system was available on higher trims. The system's voice recognition was capable but had limitations, and the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. 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 imminent crashes, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. While the safety tech was comprehensive, the lane assist features could be intrusive. The Sequoia had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.