2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's design, embracing a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its sporty appearance. The front featured an expansive tiger-nose grille, complemented by headlights with running lights, creating a bold and modern look. The side profile was accentuated by a silver accent between the front fender and the door, while the rear showcased vertical rectangle taillights, offering a cohesive and cautiously modern aesthetic. Inside, the Sorento boasted high-value features, including heated outside mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The interior offered a mix of cloth, leatherette, and perforated leather upholstery, with varying levels of seat adjustment and comfort across trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, retained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins. The G-Class exuded a rugged charm with its straight body lines and classic two-box design. Inside, the G-Class offered a luxurious and spacious cabin, featuring a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior design was tasteful, with customizable ambient lighting and a Burmester Surround Sound system, creating an immersive experience. Despite its luxury status, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, appealing to both the adventurous and the status-conscious.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. However, the test vehicle featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with AWD. This setup provided ample power for highway driving and passing maneuvers. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, though it was only available with FWD. The AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential, enhancing traction in various conditions. The suspension setup, consisting of McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, ensured a smooth and comfortable ride.

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. This power was managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive (4WD). The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for its size and weight. The G-Class boasted a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. The G550's off-road prowess was further enhanced 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 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while a three-row SUV, was best suited as a four-seater in its top trims due to the limited space in the third row. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats expanded the total cargo volume to 75.5 cubic feet. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a wireless charging spot, cupholders, and door pockets. However, the overall cargo capacity was more in line with compact crossovers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the second row expanded the cargo space to 68.6 cubic feet. The G550's body-on-frame construction allowed for a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The cabin provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating for three adults in the second row. Storage solutions were well-designed, with bottle pockets in the rear doors and a spare tire mounted on the tailgate for convenience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen display on lower trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims required a wired connection for smartphone integration. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the lack of a dedicated home button and limited screen usability with Android Auto were drawbacks. The Sorento included multiple USB ports but lacked USB-C options. The optional Bose stereo system provided decent audio quality, though not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and point-of-interest functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the layout, content, and color to their preferences. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered intuitive navigation. The G550 included a Burmester Surround Sound system, creating an immersive audio experience. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though wireless charging was not available.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The surround-view camera system provided additional assistance during parking. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some variations in headlight ratings across trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety systems, such as active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist system, while effective, could be abrupt in its interventions. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.