2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth generation since 2023, received a light refresh and introduced the TrailSport trim. This trim added orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. The TrailSport also featured a silver skid-plate-style trim piece. The CR-V Hybrid was available in six trims, with the hybrid versions offering a more efficient powertrain. The exterior design remained largely unchanged, but the interior saw updates like orange contrast stitching in TrailSport models. The CR-V Hybrid offered a range of colour options, including the exclusive Ash Green.

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. 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 the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system replaced a traditional transmission with a two-motor setup, offering seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The CR-V Hybrid provided multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving option. It boasted a fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim slightly less efficient at 6.7 L/100 km. The CR-V Hybrid's AWD system could send up to 50 percent of its torque to the rear axle, enhancing its capability on steep or slippery terrain.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as large as some luxury SUVs, offered 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 G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior functionality, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space, surpassing competitors like the Subaru Forester and previous-generation Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity expanded to 2,030 litres. The CR-V Hybrid provided generous headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and standard features like heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. The interior included a centre console with physical controls and multiple USB-C ports.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (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. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a standard nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display on higher trims. The system supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. Touring Hybrid trims featured Google built-in, offering Google Maps and Google Assistant. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, and audio systems ranged from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.

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 G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2025 model received high safety ratings. The CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors were standard on higher trims, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines was included.