2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Kia Sportage

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 opulent, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, adding to their appeal.

The 2026 Kia Sportage, with its refreshed styling, presented a more rugged, truck-like appearance. The wide grille and vertical headlights aligned it with larger Kia models, enhancing its distinctiveness. While the rear design remained largely unchanged, the Sportage's extended wheelbase and crisp body lines added visual interest. The interior featured a new steering wheel and a prominent curved screen, with materials that felt appropriate for active lifestyles. The Sportage's design changes did not compromise its competitive interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom, particularly in the rear seats.

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, 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's new suspension system improved both off-road and on-road dynamics, offering a more luxurious ride.

The 2026 Kia Sportage provided a choice of conventional gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The non-hybrid models used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque for hybrids, and 268 hp for plug-in hybrids. While the base engine was adequate, the hybrid options offered more refinement and consistent torque delivery. The Sportage's powertrains were competitive within its segment, though the transmission could have been more responsive.

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 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 was easier to manoeuvre than larger rivals, with good visibility and manageable dimensions for parking.

The 2026 Kia Sportage's interior space remained competitive, with headroom and legroom comparable to key rivals. Cargo space was flexible, with up to 2,098 litres available by adjusting the dual-level cargo floor. The Sportage's towing capacity was 1,130 kilograms for non-hybrid models, slightly less for hybrid variants. The centre console offered ample storage, with features like a wireless charging pad and adaptable cupholders. Kia's efficient use of space made the Sportage practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens created a continuous display, with off-road menus and a "Transparent Hood" feature for enhanced visibility. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition added to the tech appeal. A Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment were expected to be standard, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2026 Kia Sportage included a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Harman Kardon audio system on top trims. The horizontal display setup was reminiscent of luxury brands, though the screen-centric interface had usability challenges. Kia provided some physical controls, but the dual-function panel required attention to avoid errors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. 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 Kia Sportage received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and driver fatigue warnings. Higher trims offered Highway Driving Assist and a surround-view camera system. The Sportage's comprehensive safety suite contributed to its high safety scores.