2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. It carried forward the successful styling of the Navigator, featuring sharp lines and a tasteful use of chrome, which enhanced its modern appeal. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin that was hard to associate with its Ford Explorer roots. The interior was defined by comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The unique piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, maintained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its rugged roots. The exterior was a classic two-box design, setting 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. Despite its military origins, the G-Class had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and luxurious finishes.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 21 miles. The Aviator excelled in highway driving but struggled with body roll in corners and maneuverability in tight spaces. Its drive mode selector offered unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550 model, impressed with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a sophisticated suspension system, providing a supple ride on pavement and impressive off-road capabilities. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a surprisingly nimble driving experience, though fuel economy was a notable drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered captain's chairs and a digital control panel for added convenience. However, the power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable 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 G-Class featured a spacious cabin with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a tall roofline for excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages, and the lack of hands-free access for the tailgate was a notable omission.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and crisp graphics, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with ambient lighting and the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive environment. The COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered advanced functionality. However, the lack of wireless device charging was a drawback.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard safety features like a rearview camera, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the active lane-keeping assist was noted as potentially distracting. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.