Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a fresh replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had been around since 2014. The Corsair, built on the new C2 platform shared with the Ford Escape, offered a distinct departure from its predecessor's dated design and lackluster performance. Lincoln succeeded in differentiating the Corsair from its Ford counterpart, creating a refined and sophisticated appearance that stood out in a segment filled with aggressive-looking vehicles. The Corsair's design featured slab sides, blacked-out rear pillars, and straight belt- and rooflines, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair's cabin shared design elements with Lincoln's more expensive SUVs, though it didn't quite match their fit and finish. The interior offered a mix of hard-touch materials and luxurious options, catering to both older and younger buyers with various color palettes.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, a hallmark since its debut in 1979. The G-Class exuded a rugged charm with its straight edges and classic two-box design, setting it apart from other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class featured a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambient lighting and customizable displays allowed for a personalized atmosphere. Despite its military origins, the G-Class had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Its rugged exterior belied its luxurious interior, making it a unique blend of performance and opulence.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the 2.3-liter was exclusively AWD. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," providing a tailored driving experience. The 2.3-liter engine delivered brisk acceleration and confident cornering, though there was some body roll in turns. The suspension absorbed road imperfections well, though road noise was noticeable. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a combined 266 horsepower and an efficiency rating of 78 MPGe in electric mode.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550 model, boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive (4WD). The G550's Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading, allowed for precise control over throttle, transmission, and steering. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class featured a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a supple ride on pavement with minimal body roll. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550 and 13/16 for the G63.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage space. However, the design included a pronounced lip when entering or exiting the vehicle, which could be a tripping hazard. The rear seats were reclining and sliding, providing a comfortable second-row experience with impressive legroom for a compact SUV. The Corsair featured 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures were average for the segment, and the Corsair came standard with a power liftgate, with an available hands-free option.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, offered a surprisingly practical interior. It provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline created excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a reclining seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the SYNC 3 interface. The system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Reserve trim added optional features like wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel premium audio system, and a head-up display (HUD) with crisp graphics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment duties. These screens were customizable for layout, content, and color, allowing for a personalized experience. The G550's Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. The infotainment system ran the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive control. The G550 included standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus package added advanced features like adaptive LED headlights, surround-view parking cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The Corsair earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating when equipped with high-feature headlights.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a robust set of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist system could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.