2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT models featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels. The upscale Premier adopted the RST’s grille with chrome accents, and the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights enhancing its look. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels improving its overall appearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a standout feature, setting it apart from other Mercedes-Benz models. Inside, the G-Class offered a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambient lighting could be coordinated with the instrument panel colors, creating a personalized atmosphere. Despite its rugged exterior, the G-Class was a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and luxurious finishes. Its appeal lay in its blend of retro styling and modern luxury, making it a unique offering in the SUV market.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim had an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on most trims. The Z71 trim came standard with 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550 model, featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a remarkable feat for its size. The G-Class had a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a supple ride on pavement. Adjustable suspension and damping were available, along with three independent locking differentials. The G63 variant offered a more powerful engine with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class was nimble and capable, with impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console was a notable feature, providing additional storage options. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter option providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded, surpassing most competitors in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical. It offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. 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 a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. While heated seats were standard, ventilated seats required additional packages. The G-Class featured a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged styling.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and cybersecurity protection. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was particularly impressive, responding accurately to commands. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatility for rear passengers. However, it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display, which would have been a useful addition.

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, complemented by the Burmester Surround Sound system. The infotainment system ran the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G550 included standard WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked wireless device charging, which was a notable omission for a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems worked as expected during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured a range of standard safety systems, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt intervention, which could be alarming. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by major safety organizations. Its size and weight provided inherent safety advantages, but also required responsible driving to avoid potential hazards to others.