2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Dodge Durango

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 G-Class offered a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's opulent yet rugged appeal.

The 2026 Dodge Durango, despite its age, continued to impress with its blend of chunky fenders and smooth body panels. A refresh in 2021 updated its grille, lighting, and bumpers, while the interior dashboard received an overhaul. The Durango's signature wraparound LED taillight remained a standout feature, contributing to its timeless style. Inside, the Durango showed its age with older switch styles and plastic materials, but its analog controls were refreshingly straightforward. The vehicle's interior offered good headroom and legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. Cargo space was competitive, and the Durango's driving dynamics were enhanced by its powerful engine options.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the base 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 with permanent four-wheel drive. 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's new Active Ride Control suspension system improved both off-road and on-road dynamics, offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced handling.

The 2026 Dodge Durango initially offered a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, but most trims were equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The V6 struggled with the Durango's weight, but the optional 5.7-litre V8 provided 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, significantly boosting towing capacity. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak featured a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offering exhilarating performance. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system provided smooth operation, while the Hellcat's performance features, such as launch control, added to its appeal.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, and its design allowed for good visibility and easier parking compared to larger rivals.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain's chairs. The third row was tight, but the first two rows provided good headroom and legroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 487 litres behind the third row and up to 2,409 litres with seats folded. The Durango's interior was practical, with straightforward controls and adequate comfort.

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, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment added luxury.

The 2026 Dodge Durango came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Plus and Hellcat trims featured a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, while a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system was optional. The Durango lacked some modern features, but performance functions in the Hellcat's infotainment system added excitement.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring enhanced safety.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star rating from NHTSA. It included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning, but lacked some modern driver-assist technologies. The Durango's dated body structure impacted its crash performance compared to newer competitors.