Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Jeep Cherokee

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 character was further emphasized by its robust doors and latches, which produced a distinctive clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, compared to its predecessor, adopted a boxier shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee, though it appeared somewhat generic among other rugged crossovers. The rear design successfully combined an XJ-like profile with modern aerodynamic elements. The Cherokee shared its platform with other Stellantis models, offering similar appearances across trim levels. The interior varied, with higher trims featuring leatherette seats and recycled materials. Despite the use of plastic, Jeep opted for muted finishes, enhancing the interior's style with a concave dashboard and a rotary shifter.

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-liter inline-six engine, delivering 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter 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 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 G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee launched with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, producing 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. Its AWD system featured a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy. The Cherokee's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles aided off-road capability, though its ground clearance was slightly less than some competitors. The hybrid system offered smooth transitions between gasoline and electric power, but the steering required adjustments for optimal performance. Regenerative braking was limited, with a "low mode" available for increased braking force.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered comparable headroom and legroom to its rivals, with comfortable seats despite a deep dashboard and steep windshield. Rear-seat passengers had similar headroom, but less legroom compared to some competitors. Cargo space was 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The Cherokee's towing capacity of 3,500 pounds was impressive for its class. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to locate, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Uconnect 5 offered stability and OTA updates, though the digital cluster's graphics were plain. The native navigation system was laggy, and the audio system showed little difference between trim levels.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. 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. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver-assistance features similar to other brands, with Active Driving Assist for highway driving. Traffic-sign recognition was standard on the Overland model, and a surround-view camera system was optional. Crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.