2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Honda HR-V

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" 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 interior was luxurious, 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 Honda HR-V, available in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, offered a more modest design. The test vehicle, an EX-L with Nordic Forest Pearl paint, showcased the HR-V's best look despite its blobby grille and unusual profile. The 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss-black wheel arches added a touch of style. Inside, the HR-V's cabin was more appealing, especially with grey upholstery in the EX-L trim. The interior featured genuine leather seats with Z-pattern stitching and upgraded lighting. However, the HR-V lacked some practical features like a fold-flat front passenger seat and rear climate control vents, limiting its functionality.

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 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 it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model also featured an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

In contrast, the 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The engine struggled to provide sufficient power, especially during acceleration and overtaking. The HR-V's fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 9.5 L/100 km on test loops. Despite its lack of power, the HR-V's dynamic tuning was commendable, with a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist providing a lively driving experience. However, the HR-V's performance paled in comparison to more powerful rivals.

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. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian roots. 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, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class was easier to manoeuvre and park, thanks to its relatively short length and narrow width.

The 2026 Honda HR-V, once innovative, now lacked standout features. The rear "Magic Seat" was replaced with a standard fold-down design, and the HR-V lacked a fold-flat front passenger seat or a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The cargo area offered 691 litres behind the rear seats, with a total of 1,559 litres when folded. The HR-V's interior provided reasonable storage for the driver and front passenger, but the back seat lacked comfort and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The HR-V's practicality was limited compared to its competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a seamless display, and the off-road menu provided useful information for adventurous drivers. The "Transparent Hood" feature and augmented reality navigation enhanced the driving experience. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system added to the G-Class's tech offerings.

The 2026 Honda HR-V saw improvements with a larger 9-inch touchscreen and faster processor. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless smartphone charger. However, the system lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX-L trim offered an eight-speaker audio system, but the tech was basic compared to rivals. The HR-V's simplicity might appeal to some, but it fell short of competitors like the Hyundai Kona.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. However, it was expected to include standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' 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 HR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. In Canada, blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The HR-V received favourable safety ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model year. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally required driver intervention due to delayed reactions.