2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to sleek, understated design. Unlike many of its competitors, Mazda opted for smooth, flowing lines that gave the CX-5 a refined and elegant appearance. The base model, CX-5 Sport, featured practical elements like automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, while higher trims like the Touring and Grand Touring Reserve added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced lighting systems. The top-tier Signature model elevated the CX-5 to near-premium status with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, offering a sophisticated interior that rivaled more expensive brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a bold statement of rugged luxury. Its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins, set it apart from other SUVs. The G-Class was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both offering extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. Inside, the G-Class combined luxury with functionality, featuring a spacious cabin with high-quality materials and a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system. The G-Class was not just a status symbol but also a capable off-road machine, appealing to those who valued both style and substance.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate performance for daily driving. For those seeking more excitement, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine offered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, transforming the CX-5 into a more spirited performer. The CX-5's fuel efficiency was respectable, with the non-turbo engine achieving up to 28 mpg combined in FWD models. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was slightly lower, with AWD models getting 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's engaging driving dynamics were complemented by its sporty suspension, though it could feel stiff on rough roads.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, was a powerhouse with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, impressive for a vehicle of its size. The G-Class featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, with various driving modes, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The AMG G63 took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a surprisingly nimble driving experience, though its fuel economy was predictably low, with the G550 achieving 18 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable interior for families. While headroom was ample in both rows, rear legroom was somewhat limited, especially with taller front-seat occupants. The CX-5 provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the segment. The interior featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, though the infotainment controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in both luxury and utility. 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. Its body-on-frame construction allowed for a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The spacious cabin featured comfortable seating and ample storage, with a tall roofline providing 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 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, though its operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of physical knobs for tuning the stereo was a drawback. The screen's positioning made it difficult for shorter drivers to reach, and the overall interface felt outdated compared to the vehicle's otherwise high-class interior.

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 allowed drivers to tailor the display to their preferences, creating an immersive experience when combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. While a rear-seat entertainment system and WiFi were available, the lack of wireless device charging was a surprising omission for a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional options included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its robust body-on-frame construction and a suite of standard safety systems, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist could be intrusive, and drivers were advised to understand its operation fully. The G-Class's size and weight provided inherent safety advantages, but also required responsible driving to avoid potential hazards to others.