Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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. 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a North American-inspired design with high-sided body panels, large wheels, and a pickup truck-like fascia. Its front end featured a wide grille with a honeycomb texture and chrome trim, complemented by sleek headlights and a light bar with an illuminated VW logo. The vehicle's U-shaped fenders and two-tone wheels added to its appeal. The rear lighting was busy but clean, with a thick chrome bar below the taillight strip. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior was smartly designed with quality materials, featuring a single touchscreen, aluminum-look trim, and upscale seats. The vehicle offered ample headroom and legroom, with a palatial back seat and good sightlines.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. 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 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 model featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Fuel economy was rated at 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.2 highway, and 10.7 combined. The engine was raspy at low speeds and struggled on highway on-ramps. The steering was light, and the ride was rough, but the transmission shifted smoothly, and braking was solid. The Atlas Cross Sport lacked sporty performance, but it tracked straight and felt solid.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a bit more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, and cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms and provided good forward visibility. Its relatively short length and narrow width made parking easier.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious and supportive back seat. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, though the touchscreen was bright white without a day/night option. The vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats, with additional upgrades available. The Atlas Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and ample cargo space, with 1,141 litres behind the rear seats and 2,197 litres behind the front seats. The interior included plenty of storage space and bright LED map lights.

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, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system, dashcam, and rear-seat entertainment system were expected to be standard.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a 12-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate, remote start, and adaptive front headlights. Climate controls were on the screen, allowing for presets. The Atlas Cross Sport featured four USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and remote connectivity with the myVW+ app.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Expected standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. The vehicle also featured Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, along with automatic post-collision braking and the Intelligent Crash Response System.