2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was reminiscent of its military origins, yet it had evolved into a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique retro exterior, distinct from other Mercedes-Benz models, and was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, both customizable to suit the driver's mood. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester maintained a more understated appearance, with its design largely carried over from previous generations. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers looking for practicality and simplicity. The Forester Sport model added a touch of flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared its underpinnings with other Subaru models, ensuring a familiar driving experience. Inside, the Forester offered a no-nonsense interior with durable materials, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Sport trim added a splash of color with orange accents, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional comfort features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a high ground clearance. The AMG G63 took performance to another level, with its V8 engine tuned to 577 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a surprisingly agile driving experience, though its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering a smooth but less thrilling driving experience. The Forester's all-wheel-drive system was a standout feature, providing excellent traction and stability on various surfaces. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option meant the Forester felt underpowered during highway merges and overtakes. The suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll in corners. Despite these limitations, the Forester's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard X-Mode made it capable of handling light off-road conditions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo capacity was generous, with 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The G-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked some modern conveniences, such as hands-free access to the tailgate.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided excellent interior space, with above-average headroom and legroom for both rows. Its tall roofline contributed to a roomy feel and great visibility. The Forester offered 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded down. While it lacked some features like a sliding second-row bench, it did offer a power liftgate on higher trims. The Forester's interior was practical, with well-sized cupholders and a user-friendly layout, though it lacked wireless charging and a standard power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, featuring twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class also included a Burmester Surround Sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, it lacked wireless charging, and the WiFi service required a subscription after the initial trial period.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came standard with the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and well-designed graphics. However, the system was slow to boot up, and the additional screens for secondary information seemed overly complex.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, its active lane-keeping assist was noted for being abrupt and potentially distracting. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also offered optional features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking, enhancing its safety credentials.