2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins dating back to 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, making it stand out among luxury vehicles. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fibre trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring ambient lighting and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for differential locks, while AMG models sported a more dynamic steering wheel.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, while undergoing subtle updates to its headlights, grille, and fascia, continued to impress with its handsome design. The vehicle's wide-track look was accentuated by its thin grille and headlights, while traditional Jeep features like trapezoidal wheel arches and straight body lines added to its appeal. The Grand Cherokee's proportions and shark-nose angle gave it a distinctive presence, setting it apart from competitors. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee remained visually appealing, with its design elements recalling classic Jeep models. The vehicle's interior, though slightly plain due to design borrowing by the smaller Cherokee, still offered premium materials and equipment in higher trims. The Grand Cherokee's trim levels provided a range of upholstery options, with features like sunroofs available on select models.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, as well as the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering 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, enhancing performance with an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft at lower speeds. 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 G 63 also featured the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, improving both off-road and on-road dynamics. This system allowed drivers to adjust body roll, providing a more comfortable or sporty ride as desired.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, offering 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard in all trims except the base Laredo and Laredo X, which continued with the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions and standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Hurricane engine provided impressive power delivery, making the Grand Cherokee feel quick and capable, especially during uphill passing. The vehicle maintained a towing capacity of 2,810 kilograms, matching the Pentastar V6. The Grand Cherokee's driving experience remained consistent, with a comfortable suspension setup and off-road capabilities enhanced by features like the Selec-Terrain system and Quadra-Drive II 4WD system on higher trims.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall yet short passenger compartment. It provided ample headroom but less legroom than expected. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. 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 offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered two-row and three-row configurations, with competitive headroom but less legroom compared to some rivals. Cargo space in two-row models was 1,067 litres behind the second row and 2,004 litres with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L provided 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,328 litres with the third row folded, and 2,395 litres with all back seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though some design elements were less practical.

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, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. Off-road features like a compass and inclinometer were available, along with a "Transparent Hood" feature for better visibility. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system were also expected.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims, with a 10.2-inch screen on lower models. The Uconnect 5 system provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-Road Pages displayed useful information for off-road driving. The Grand Cherokee included a surround-view camera system with night vision and a low-angle off-road camera. A digital rearview mirror and Fam Cam were also available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was expected to include 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. New features included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee was expected to offer standard driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Active Drive Assist provided hands-free highway driving. The 2025 model received high safety ratings, but updated ratings for 2026 were not available.