Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Ford Escape

The 2024 Ford Escape carried forward the significant updates introduced in 2023, which included a restyled front end, new wheel designs, and an updated trim lineup. These changes, along with next-generation infotainment and enhanced safety features, made the SUV more appealing. The previous model's wide-eyed, toothless smile was replaced by a more aggressive look, although the rest of the SUV retained a soft and generically appealing appearance. In Canada, the 2024 Escape was available in several trims, including Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-in Hybrid, with prices ranging from $33,049 to $46,999, excluding destination and dealer fees. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured diamond-stitched, perforated leather and all the tech upgrades, but the interior's glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery raised questions about its high cost.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while continuously updated, retained its heritage dating back to the 1979 G-Wagen. The modern G-Class, larger and more luxurious than its predecessor, maintained the distinctive boxy design. For 2025, subtle styling updates included a new grille and bumpers, but traditional design features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights remained unchanged. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550. The G-Class offered a million combinations of exterior paint and interior trim through the Manufaktur program. Inside, the G-Class featured a sci-fi-inspired design with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models had sportier steering wheels, while the switches for the three differential locks were prominently placed on the dashboard.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, provided quick acceleration but lacked the driving dynamics expected from the ST badge. The ride was soft and compliant, with nimble handling in typical driving situations, but the suspension allowed too much body motion. The brake pedal was responsive, but the steering felt sluggish. The turbo engine's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 9.8 L/100 km on the testing route. The Escape's sporty appearance and comfortable driving dynamics made it suitable for commuting and errands, but the turbo engine felt wasted in this application.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. 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, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. 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 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious and powerful experience.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Leather seats were optional with the ST-Line Elite trim, but they were not recommended due to their uncomfortable feel. The test model included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were large and supportive, while the back seat was comfortable when slid to its rearmost position. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had less accommodation. Cargo volume measured 1,061 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 1,852 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading, but the G-Class's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was slightly lower than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation, with upper trims offering a 12.3-inch display. The ST-Line Elite test vehicle had a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, the display's colour theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the wireless smartphone charger heated the phone excessively. The test vehicle also included an optional head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which worked well but was impractical in busy areas.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (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. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. MBUX included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition, with additional voice commands specific to the G-Class. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 Ford Escape included a standard post-collision automatic braking system and Ford Co-Pilot360 driving assistance systems. Features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keeping systems displayed inconsistent behaviour, and the predictive speed assist caused irritation. On highways, the Co-Pilot360 technology performed better. The NHTSA awarded the Escape five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Expected standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for a crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.