2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Honda Pilot

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, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was opulent, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Honda Pilot underwent a makeover, adopting a more truck-like appearance with a larger, blockier grille and grey plastic scuff plates. Roof rails and a redesigned rear bumper added to its rugged look. Inside, the Pilot's cabin remained largely unchanged, with upgrades like larger infotainment and instrument panels. Top trims featured diamond-quilted synthetic suede seats with contrast stitching. The Pilot continued to offer practicality and versatility, with a tastefully designed interior that met or exceeded class expectations.

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 G 63 also boasted an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard AWD in Canada ensured confident handling. The Pilot's acceleration was adequate, with responsive performance for highway merging and passing. Honda revised the steering for improved feedback and stability, addressing previous issues with highway vagueness. The Pilot maintained its confident handling in curves, though it wasn't sporty.

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. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with 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 visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained spacious and versatile, with a removable second-row centre seat for flexibility. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and comfort, while access to the third row was easy. The third row provided adequate space for smaller adults, though materials were of lower quality. The Pilot offered 635 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 3,219 litres with seats folded. The front seats featured generous storage options, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the 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. Off-road menus and a "Transparent Hood" feature enhanced functionality. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard.

The 2026 Honda Pilot upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. Physical shortcut buttons were replaced with customizable on-screen shortcuts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though a wireless phone charger required an upgrade. The Pilot retained features like multiple camera angles and the CabinTalk intercom system, enhancing convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, typical for low-volume models. Expected standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes. New features included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's crash test scores were unavailable, but it was expected to perform similarly to the 2025 model, which received high ratings. The Honda Sensing suite included forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Most safety features worked flawlessly, though forward collision warning was overly sensitive.