2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that seemed unchanged over the years. Enthusiasts could easily identify its notched grille, inset headlights, and scalloped air extractors behind the front fenders. To the casual observer, the Wrangler was characterized by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders, giving it the appearance of a toy truck for adults. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could take on different looks, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft top or hardtop, and other individual styling touches. However, it always retained the core elements that made it unmistakably a Wrangler Unlimited.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a testament to rugged luxury. Its design was a classic two-box style with straight body lines, giving it a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class offered a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The G-Class was initially conceived as a military transport but had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable, go-anywhere machine.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.6-liter V6, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 producing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler featured three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, each catering to different off-roading needs. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine, produced 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road supercar.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD and Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its 5,551-pound curb weight. The G-Class also offered the AMG G63 variant, with a tuned V8 producing 577 hp 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 a turning circle of 44.6 feet and impressive off-road angles.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit the space for larger items.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The G550's cabin was spacious, with comfortable seats, ample storage, and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row offered ample legroom and a reclining seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's base Sport trim came with a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screens had crisp graphics and intuitive layouts. The Rubicon 392 featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. These screens were customizable for layout, content, and color, creating an immersive experience. The G550's Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the audio experience. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G550 also offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard WiFi, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with standard safety systems, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.