Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" from 1979. Despite continuous updates, the G-Class maintained its distinctive flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. Subtle styling updates for 2025 included a new grille and bumpers, while functional changes saw the rearview camera repositioned and new A-pillar trim added. The G-Class offered a luxurious interior with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia shared a family resemblance with the Tundra pickup, featuring a tall and wide stance with blocky features. Its design included a large black grille, pronounced haunches, and black wheel flares, except for the Capstone trim with body-coloured flares. The cabin was utilitarian, with large dials and black synthetic leather upholstery in the TRD Pro model. While the Sequoia offered acceptable quality with soft-touch surfaces, it also had hard plastics, making it feel more functional than luxurious. In Canada, real leather upholstery was standard on all trims except the TRD Pro.

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 with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain called i-Force Max, with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor added 48 hp and 184 lb-ft, drawing power from a 1.87-kWh battery. The Sequoia's engine delivered a V8-like growl and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.8 seconds. It could tow up to 4,137 kilograms, aided by a haul mode and heavy-duty tow hitch receiver. The Sequoia's handling was typical of body-on-frame SUVs, with a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The TRD Pro model featured off-road enhancements, including all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, and a platform roof rack.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, and its relatively short length and narrow width made parking easier. The driving position was upright, providing a commanding view of the road.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia accommodated seven or eight passengers, with standard eight-way power seat adjustments in the first row. While headroom and legroom were plentiful, the seats were too flat for long trips. The second row offered good comfort, especially with available captain’s chairs, and the third row provided enough space for short trips. Cargo space was a mixed bag, with 325 litres behind the third row and up to 2,460 litres with seats folded. However, the third row sat above floor level, and rivals offered more user-friendly load floors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the 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 system included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard, along with a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch screen available on higher trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with trip information and vehicle settings. Standard tech included satellite radio, an eight-speaker audio system, and various connectivity features. Higher trims offered a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with the Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. It received mixed crash test results from IIHS, with Good scores in some tests and Marginal in others. The Sequoia's safety systems worked well, but its wide tow mirrors posed challenges in tight spots.