2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Ford Explorer

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 character was further emphasized by its robust doors and latches, which produced a distinctive clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, while wheel options ranged from 18 to 22 inches, depending on the model. The interior was luxurious, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Ford Explorer, largely unchanged from its 2025 facelift, presented a more rugged, truck-like appearance. The Tremor model enhanced this with all-terrain tires, raised ride height, and off-road lights. The Electric Spice colour added a unique touch, while the raised suspension improved ground clearance and off-road angles. The Explorer lineup remained consistent, with the Active as the base model and the Platinum as the most luxurious. The interior, updated in 2025, featured a new infotainment system and improved design, though some materials felt subpar for the price. Despite this, the Explorer offered a range of options, from basic cloth seats to leather upholstery.

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 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 and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. 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 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Ford Explorer continued with its existing powertrain options. The standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the Tremor and ST models featured a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada. The Explorer's unibody design, shared with the Mustang and Lincoln Aviator, contributed to its confident handling and comfortable ride. The Tremor model, with its off-road enhancements, handled challenging trails well, though the V6 engine provided ample power for highway driving.

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 with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading, though towing capacity was slightly lower than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodated up to seven passengers across three rows, though headroom in the third row was limited. Cargo space was competitive, with 461 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,415 litres with the second row folded. The Explorer offered practical storage solutions, including phone trays and a large centre console. Towing capacity was average for a midsize crossover, though some rivals offered higher ratings.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, with an off-road menu and "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the user experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard.

The 2026 Ford Explorer included a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports were standard across all rows, and audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 14-speaker B&O system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though climate control icons could be improved. The 360-degree camera system was particularly useful for off-road driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, while new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Ford Explorer, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and recipient of a five-star NHTSA rating, offered the CoPilot 360+ suite with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims included CoPilot 360 2.0 with additional features, while the BlueCruise system provided hands-free highway driving with automated lane change capability.