2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its upright design provided a clear view of the road, and the headlight design, though intricate, seamlessly integrated with the grille. While not intended for off-roading, the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at a rugged capability. The two-tone roof design and red accents around the wheel centers added a touch of modern flair, enhancing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward and intuitive design, with clean lines and tech influences reminiscent of more upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the utilitarian yet sporty nature was underscored by thoughtful design elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, boasted a classic, boxy design that exuded ruggedness and retro charm. Its straight body lines and two-box design set it apart from other vehicles 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 cabin's ambient lighting could be coordinated with the instrument panel colors, creating a personalized atmosphere. Originally conceived as a military vehicle, the G-Class had evolved into a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxurious features. Despite its opulent appeal, it remained a capable off-road machine.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway maneuvers. The Seltos offered drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its upright layout, the Seltos exhibited minimal body roll and delivered a smooth ride, making it a surprisingly agile and comfortable small crossover.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550 model, housed a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine generating 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its size. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, including double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G550's off-road capabilities were supported by adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles. For those seeking more power, the AMG G63 variant offered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was notably low, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided generous cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs, even surpassing some compact models. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray. The Seltos offered ample storage compartments and impressive rear-seat space, accommodating passengers comfortably with sufficient head- and legroom.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding 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 interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the second row accommodated three adults comfortably. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G550's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its distinctive styling.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though connecting a smartphone via USB could be cumbersome. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. These customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G550's infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, rear-seat entertainment, and multiple USB and 12-volt outlets. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection. The Seltos provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, though not all were standard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included numerous safety systems, such as a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, and active brake assist. The G550 featured active lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness. Its size and weight offered safety advantages in some crashes, but drivers needed to exercise caution due to its potential impact on pedestrians and smaller vehicles.