2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Jeep Wrangler

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, 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 and ambient lighting, while AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable with its military-style stance and seven-slot grille. It offered a customizable experience with removable doors and roof, and a foldable windshield for an open-air feel. The Willys '41 model, finished in army green, showcased the Wrangler's rugged charm. The interior was utilitarian, with weatherproof floor mats and hard plastic surfaces, emphasizing durability. Despite its minimalist design, the Wrangler included hard buttons for the HVAC system and Easter eggs throughout, adding a playful touch to its adventurous spirit.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions, with the G 550 accelerating from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds and the G 63 in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered diverse powertrain options, including the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a 6.4-litre Hemi V8. The Willys '41 model tested featured the V6 engine, providing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler excelled in maneuverability, with a tight turning radius ideal for urban environments. However, the knobby off-road tires and upright stance contributed to a noisy cabin at highway speeds, requiring increased volume for phone calls and audio.

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 behind the rear seats. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading, but the G-Class's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler balanced practicality with its rugged design. With 24.6 centimetres of ground clearance and the ability to ford 75 centimetres of water, it was well-suited for off-road adventures. The four-door model offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,050 litres with seats folded. However, the two-door model had limited cargo space. The swing-out tailgate and rear glass provided easy access, but rear passenger space was tight, and front seat space was narrow.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a seamless display, while off-road menus and a "Transparent Hood" feature enhanced functionality. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition added convenience, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos was expected to be standard.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A two-year trial of the Trails Offroad app was included, and optional features like a nine-speaker Alpine audio system and TrailCam enhanced the experience. The Willys '41 model tested had many optional tech features, including a 7-inch display and Alpine audio system, providing a good balance of analog and digital elements.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, but expected standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring were added for 2025.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, with advanced tech available at higher trims. The Sport S trim introduced options like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from IIHS, with "Good" ratings in some crash tests but poor headlight scores.