Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Toyota 4Runner

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 robust doors and latches added to its unique character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fibre trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring ambient lighting and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for differential locks, and AMG models had sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, featuring a muscular look with pronounced haunches and black wheel flares for off-road models. The front grille sat high, with heritage-inspired front ends on TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The rear side windows extended into the roof, reminiscent of the original 4Runner. Wheel sizes ranged from 17 to 20 inches. Inside, the 4Runner had a simple and utilitarian look, with chunky control dials and hard plastic surfaces. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather for off-road models and leather for higher trims. Despite leather options, the cabin never appeared high-end.

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-litre inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system for additional power at lower speeds. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The G 63 also featured the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious experience akin to a Ford Bronco Raptor.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner in Canada offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the i-Force Max hybrid with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The hybrid 4Runner, despite its torque, had a mid-to-low seven-second 0 to 100 km/h time. The 4Runner excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like a locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. The TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter packages enhanced off-road performance but compromised on-road dynamics. The 4Runner's handling suffered due to its tall ride height and firm suspension, making it less comfortable on the street compared to unibody crossovers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two seating configurations: two rows for five passengers or three rows for up to seven. The front seats were the most comfortable, with heated options standard in Canada. The second row had decent space but lacked comfort due to low seat bottoms. The three-row version likely had even less comfort. Cargo space was competitive with midsize rivals, with hybrid models offering 1,206 litres behind the second row. The 4Runner's interior was practical but lacked the luxury of some competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had 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. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, expandable to 12.3 inches and 14 inches, respectively, in higher trims. The 14-inch screen was easy to use but lacked design flair. The 4Runner included a three-year trial of Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect. Drive Connect offered additional features with a subscription. The digital instrument cluster provided customizable information, and standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Expected standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. It received mixed crash test scores, with four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA and a Marginal score in the IIHS moderate front overlap crash test. The 4Runner had Good ratings in side crash tests and for its front crash prevention systems.