2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Volvo XC90

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic, boxy design that harkened back 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, such as 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 for those willing to pay extra. 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 differential locks, and AMG models offered a sportier steering wheel.

The 2025 Volvo XC90, on the other hand, continued to impress with its timeless and elegant design, earning high praise for its aesthetic appeal. The refreshed model retained the signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights, now with a more deliberate outline, and a modernized grille with diagonal slats. The XC90's exterior theme emphasized old-world elegance, resisting fleeting trends. The interior remained comfortable and understated, with notable updates like a repositioned infotainment screen and a more symmetrical centre console. The XC90 offered a choice of rich interior materials, including quilted Nordico, perforated Nappa leather, and a new herringbone weave textile made from recycled polyester. The vehicle's spaciousness and thoughtful design made it a strong contender in the midsize three-row SUV segment.

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 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 included a mild-hybrid system for added 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 model featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 offered two powertrains in Canada, both with standard AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B6 mild hybrid used turbo- and e-supercharging to produce 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T8 offered up to 53 kilometres of pure electric range. The XC90's standard suspension featured Frequency Selective Damping technology, providing improved ride comfort and stability. The optional air suspension offered an even more comfortable and disciplined ride.

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. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 featured a redesigned centre console layout, improving practicality and small-item storage. The wireless charging pad was repositioned for better accessibility, and USB-C charge ports were standard in the first and second rows. The third row offered tight space, but the XC90 excelled in the midsize three-row segment. The panoramic roof provided a shared view for all occupants, and the interior measurements compared favourably to competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infiniti QX60.

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 continuous display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2025 Volvo XC90's infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen with sharper resolution and a new user interface. The system emphasized a fewer-taps approach, with key functions accessible from the homescreen. The Android-based system included Google Built-In, with Apple CarPlay connectivity standard. The Ultra package added a head-up display, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system offered four distinct listening modes. The infotainment system provided a user-friendly experience with seamless connectivity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Expected standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for a crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the 2024 version received five stars from the NHTSA. The XC90's standard advanced driver-assistance systems operated smoothly, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping aid, and blind-spot information. The XC90 lacked a hands-free highway-driving system but excelled in functional safety features.