Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs GMC Terrain

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, with a design that could be customized extensively through the G Manufaktur Program.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its styling, including a bolder grille and new wheel designs. The AT4 trim level added a rugged touch with black alloy wheels and sport-terrain tires, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The Terrain's interior was practical and comfortable, featuring power-adjustable front seats, heated elements, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim offered leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing an upscale feel. While the Terrain's design was functional, it lacked the opulence of the G-Class, focusing more on practicality and affordability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, impressive for a vehicle weighing 5,551 pounds. The G-Class boasted a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by adjustable suspension and three locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the G-Class, the Terrain's engine provided adequate performance for daily driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine's torque band, but the Terrain lacked the acceleration of its predecessor with the discontinued 2.0-liter engine. The Terrain offered front-wheel drive for fuel efficiency, with all-wheel drive available for better traction. Its off-road capabilities were limited, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches and sport-terrain tires that struggled for grip. The Terrain's fuel economy was more favorable, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G550 could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. The cabin was roomy, with comfortable seating and ample storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged aesthetic.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a roomy interior for a compact crossover, with power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The back seat offered generous legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port for convenience. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items. While the Terrain's interior was practical, it lacked the luxury and customization options of the G-Class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked wireless device charging. The COMAND system offered unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the AT4 trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also offered a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crashworthiness.

The 2022 GMC Terrain included the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.