Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Nissan Kicks

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a vehicle that exuded comfort, agility, and style. The Kicks featured a tougher appearance than most small crossovers, without crossing into the realm of sportiness. Built on the new CMF-B platform, it was slightly larger and had more ground clearance, distinguishing it from its peers. The Kicks offered nine color options, with two-tone configurations available on higher trims, and small details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports added a unique touch. The interior boasted a variety of textures, with Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats providing comfort and support, although some cost-saving measures were evident in the materials used.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian G-Wagen from 1979. While subtle styling updates were made, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, such as a flat hood and prominent corner lights. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 featuring larger wheels and carbon-fiber trim. Inside, the G-Class was opulent, with a sci-fi aesthetic created by large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous criticisms of noise and harshness with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's powertrain. The addition of all-wheel drive (AWD) made the Kicks more versatile, with torque vectoring enhancing traction. The Kicks offered a balanced driving feel, with minimal body roll and improved noise control. However, acceleration was sometimes sluggish, particularly at high elevations. The Kicks achieved fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and slightly lower with AWD.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, with the G 550 featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions. 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 featured an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a comfortable ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a good view of the road, though the seating position was low and required manual adjustment. The interior was spacious, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the second-row experience. The Kicks boasted best-in-class cargo space, accommodating up to 60 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only one window open.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, provided ample headroom and a commanding view of the road. Its compact size made parking easier, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, and its design allowed for good forward visibility.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a base infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and charging. The SR trim included dual 12.3-inch screens and an optional Bose audio system with headrest speakers, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a continuous display, and features like augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced usability. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options for a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came standard with Safety Shield 360, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SV trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. A 360-degree monitor system was available, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering. Safety ratings were not available at the time of publication.