Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Subaru Ascent continued to struggle with its styling, maintaining the controversial design changes from the previous year. The vehicle's exterior featured visually offensive tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights, which did not appeal to everyone. Despite these design choices, the Ascent lineup remained unchanged, offering various trim levels from Base to Touring, with prices ranging from $34,395 to $48,695, excluding the destination charge. The Touring trim, which was tested, included premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, making it the most equipped version of the Ascent.

Inside, the Subaru Ascent Touring's interior materials appeared of good quality, though the design followed Subaru's typical modular approach, which lacked sophistication and modernity. The interior was functional and practical, with features like ventilated front seats and a surround-view camera. However, the overall aesthetic did not match the elegance found in some competitors. The Ascent's design choices seemed to prioritize utility over style, which might appeal to those seeking practicality in their vehicle.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its heritage dating back to the 1979 Geländewagen. Despite subtle updates to the grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, such as a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, setting it apart from other luxury SUVs. Mercedes made functional changes, including repositioning the rearview camera and adding new A-pillar trim and a rear spoiler to the G 550 models. 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 boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The switches for the differential locks were prominently displayed, and AMG models had sportier steering wheels. The G-Class's interior was opulent, with the Manufaktur program offering extensive customization options. Despite its rugged exterior, the G-Class provided a comfortable and high-tech cabin, appealing to those seeking both luxury and off-road capability.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a standard all-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It performed well in urban and rural settings, handling speed humps and off-road terrain with ease. The turbocharged engine provided sufficient power for merging into traffic, although the CVT sometimes struggled to mimic a conventional automatic transmission.

However, the Ascent faced challenges on twisty mountain roads due to its weight, suspension tuning, and all-season tires. Its fuel economy was also a concern, with official EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. During testing, the Ascent returned lower figures, highlighting its thirst for fuel. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent's 19.3-gallon fuel tank allowed for a decent driving range before refueling.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the base G 550 with 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 featured a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds, with top speeds of 130 mph and 137 mph, respectively.

The G-Class's AMG Active Ride Control suspension system improved handling, allowing the G 63 to traverse rough terrain comfortably at higher speeds. This system differentiated the AMG model from the base G-Class, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a plush ride, with low wind and tire noise at highway speeds. The G 550 excelled in low-speed, technical off-road driving, while the G 63 offered a more luxurious and powerful experience.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with features designed to make life easier for families. The interior included practical elements like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Touring trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, although the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy loading of children and cargo. The Ascent's roof rails supported up to 700 pounds, accommodating a rooftop tent.

The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but legroom was slightly limited compared to competitors. The third-row seat provided acceptable comfort for short trips, with air conditioning vents and storage space. The Ascent offered up to 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The maximum cargo space reached 75.6 cubic feet, slightly reduced with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 22.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading, although it could be challenging when street parked. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some rivals.

Despite its compact size, the G-Class provided a commanding view of the road, with good forward visibility. The vehicle's dimensions made parking easier than larger competitors. While the interior wasn't palatial, it offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and advanced technology.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation system, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Safety & Security connected services plan provided automatic collision notification and SOS emergency assistance.

The Ascent's infotainment system had physical buttons and knobs for common functions, enhancing usability. However, the display washed out in direct sunlight, and the native voice-recognition system was subpar. The Touring trim included a surround-view camera and a camera-based rearview mirror, improving visibility when the cargo area was full.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles.

MBUX included augmented reality navigation and excellent voice recognition, with specific commands for the G-Class. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system. The G-Class's technology offerings enhanced its luxury appeal, providing a modern experience despite its classic design.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, featuring a high-strength steel platform and the EyeSight collection of safety features. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, where it earned four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The EyeSight package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more.

However, the lane-centering assist technology was criticized for its performance, particularly on freeway ramps and winding roads. The system's resistance to driver inputs could lead to sudden veering, affecting stability. Despite these issues, the Ascent's safety features provided comprehensive protection for occupants.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a crash by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows.

New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature. These enhancements improved the G-Class's safety offerings, providing advanced protection for occupants.