2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. It featured a rugged design with dark gray plastic trim and borrowed styling cues from competitors like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a more adventurous look with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch wheels, and sport terrain tires. The interior boasted a well-thought-out design with excellent control layout and storage options, though it was marred by the presence of hard, shiny plastics, which felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a symbol of luxury and ruggedness. Its boxy, retro design was a nod to its military origins, and it stood out in the Mercedes lineup. The interior was a blend of opulence and functionality, featuring a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel. The G-Class was known for its customization options, allowing owners to tailor the vehicle to their tastes. Despite its luxurious appeal, it retained its off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among celebrities and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base model came with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The Trailblazer's performance was adequate for daily driving, though it struggled on steep inclines. It averaged 26.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The ride was firm, with noticeable suspension impact harshness over bumps.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD. The G550 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its size. The G-Class offered a smooth ride with minimal body roll, thanks to its advanced suspension system. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. However, fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior was a mix of comfort and practicality. While the front seats were supportive, the rear seats were less comfortable, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. The cargo space was competitive, offering 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Trailblazer's cabin struggled with temperature control, and the automatic climate system was inconsistent.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in interior space and utility. It offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G550's cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom. The seats were comfortable, and the interior was filled with storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked hands-free access for the tailgate.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The upgraded system offered an 8-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a Bose premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. The customizable displays, combined with ambient lighting and a Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The COMAND system was intuitive, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. The G-Class included standard WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though it lacked wireless charging.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control, were inconsistent in performance. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a robust set of safety features, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The G-Class's size and construction provided inherent safety advantages, though it had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.