2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was a stylish upgrade from its predecessor, the original Encore, which was humorously nicknamed “the shoe” by GM insiders. The Encore GX boasted a sleek design with well-proportioned lines, making it visually appealing to its buyers. It was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring package for those seeking a sportier look. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines on offer. The test model featured the Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, but without AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite its high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners.

Inside, the Encore GX provided expected quality for a small SUV, though the interior design was not as refined as the exterior. The analog gauges were inconveniently placed, and the head-up display vibrated on uneven roads, highlighting the vehicle's lack of refinement. The cabin's quality was adequate, but the sun's glare on the fuel gauge indicator lights and the vibrating HUD detracted from the overall experience. Buick's efforts to position the Encore GX as a premium vehicle were undermined by these shortcomings, especially when compared to its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a testament to rugged luxury. Its boxy, retro design was a nod to its military origins, and it stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The G-Class was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both offering extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. The G-Class was hand-built in Austria, and its classic two-box design was complemented by a luxurious interior. The cabin featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a personalized driving experience with customizable colors and ambient lighting.

Despite its military roots, the G-Class was a status symbol among the elite, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. The interior was tastefully designed, with a focus on comfort and technology. The G-Class combined rugged capability with opulence, making it a unique offering in the luxury SUV market.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The larger 1.3-liter engine, available with FWD or AWD, delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power increase, the driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising but lacking refinement. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was inconsistent, with a brittle feel over rough roads and a bouncy ride over bumps. The Encore GX's handling was decent, with flat cornering and good braking performance, but the steering effort was light, making it easy to maneuver. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The G550's nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, along with Dynamic Select driving programs, provided a versatile driving experience. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its size. The suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, offered a smooth ride with minimal body roll. The G-Class was equipped with large brakes and had a turning circle of 44.6 feet. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class was capable off-road, with impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. However, its fuel economy was low, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position with supportive front seats, though lacking lateral bolstering. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a low, flat cushion. Interior storage was ample, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and comfortable seating. The second row offered generous legroom and a reclining seatback, accommodating three adults comfortably. The G550's luxury features sometimes complicated functionality, with heated seats standard but ventilated seats available only in expensive packages. The spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to the G-Class's distinctive styling.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The test vehicle included a navigation system, voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available through the Convenience Package. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls, though the test car lacked the optional Bose premium sound system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens allowed for a personalized driving experience, with options to coordinate colors with ambient lighting. The infotainment system ran the latest COMAND software, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. The G550 included a Burmester Surround Sound system, rear-seat entertainment, and multiple USB and 12-volt outlets. Standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with adaptive cruise control available. The Encore GX featured Teen Driver technology and a Tire Fill Alert system. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included numerous safety features, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt intervention, which could be distracting. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.