Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a striking model, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed version boasted a new front design with sleek daytime running lights above the grille and angular LED lamps positioned lower on either side. The Avenir trim featured a unique grille and chrome accents, while the rear saw minimal changes except for new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered a variety of vibrant colors, including red, blue, maroon, and Copper Ice Metallic, with options for a contrasting black roof and mirrors. Inside, the most significant update was a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving the interior a premium look despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its 1979 origins. Subtle updates included a new grille and bumpers, but the traditional flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged. The G-Class featured a new rearview camera position and A-pillar trim, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The interior was luxurious, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models had sportier steering wheels, and the switches for the differential locks were prominently displayed on the dashboard. Despite its rugged appearance, the G-Class offered a sophisticated and opulent cabin experience.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX maintained its engine options from previous years, offering a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. An upgrade to a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine provided 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, along with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX was responsive, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds, but exhibited some roughness on take-off and a delay in downshifting during highway passing. Its selectable AWD system allowed for fuel-saving options, though competitors offered more seamless automatic systems.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, and the AMG G 63 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics, while the G 550 excelled in low-speed off-road driving.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. It featured a hands-free liftgate and provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior included available heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with eight-way adjustable seats available on higher trims. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also an option.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as large as some luxury SUVs, provided ample headroom but less legroom due to its compact design. It offered 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with a side-hinged tailgate for easier access. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Its design allowed for good forward visibility and easier parking compared to larger rivals.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, the screen had unused space. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The infotainment system was simple, with basic features like smartphone mirroring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had dual 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment, creating a continuous display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Notable features included augmented reality navigation, voice recognition, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Optional features included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like rear park assist and adaptive cruise control were optional. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated the 2023 model as Good for crashworthiness.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.