Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 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. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's luxurious appeal.

The 2026 Kia Sportage showcased refreshed styling with a more truck-like vibe, aligning it with larger Kia models like the Sorento and Telluride. The wide grille and vertical headlights contributed to its rugged appearance, while the vehicle's profile highlighted its extended wheelbase. The Sportage X-Pro model benefited from the new styling, enhancing its off-road pretensions with all-terrain tires and unique drive-mode tuning. Inside, the Sportage featured a new steering wheel and a prominent curved screen, with materials that supported active lifestyles. Despite its straightforward interior, the Sportage offered a quality feel and practical design.

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, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter 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 four-wheel drive and locking differentials. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Kia Sportage offered conventional gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The base model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models used a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 232 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, while plug-in hybrids offered 268 hp. The Sportage X-Pro model included all-terrain tires and unique drive-mode tuning, with a Terrain Mode for various conditions. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Sportage prioritized comfort over sportiness, with compliant suspension tuning and a focus on everyday usability.

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 22.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place. 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, thanks to its short length and narrow width.

The 2026 Kia Sportage maintained competitive interior space, with headroom and legroom comparable to key rivals. Cargo space was 36.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded and the cargo floor lowered. The Sportage's towing capacity was 2,500 pounds for non-hybrid models. The interior featured a well-utilized center console with ample storage, wireless charging, and practical design elements, making it suitable for active lifestyles.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The system offered off-road information, augmented reality navigation, and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2026 Kia Sportage came standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The horizontal display blended the instrument cluster and touchscreen, with sharp graphics and large icons. While the interface required regular swiping, Kia provided some physical buttons for essential functions. Higher trims included a Harman Kardon audio system and digital key functionality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and parking sensors. Higher trims featured advanced systems like Highway Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. The Sportage received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.