2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Originally designed as a military vehicle, it evolved into a status symbol, especially in the U.S. market. The G-Class offered two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both featuring extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. Its exterior was characterized by straight lines and a classic two-box design, while the interior boasted a sophisticated layout with dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, though spacious and powerful, showed signs of aging. Introduced in 2007, it received minor updates over the years, including a facelift in 2018 and the addition of the Nightshade Special Edition in 2021. The Sequoia's design was more traditional, with a massive center dash reminiscent of mid-2000s styling. Despite its size, the front seats felt cramped for taller drivers, though the second row offered ample space. The Sequoia came in various trims, each adding unique features, but overall, it struggled to keep up with more modern competitors in terms of design and technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which featured 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 also offered a range of driving modes, including "G-mode" for off-roading, and boasted impressive off-road capabilities with its high ground clearance and locking differentials. The AMG G63 took performance to another level with 577 horsepower, making it even quicker and more luxurious.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivered 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission was a bit dated compared to competitors, but it provided solid acceleration for a vehicle weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind class leaders in towing capacity. Despite its age, the Sequoia offered a reliable and powerful performance, appealing to those who preferred a traditional SUV feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior. It provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550's cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a distinctive exterior spare tire, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia excelled in interior space, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, providing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered plenty of storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia remained a practical choice for families needing ample space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class stood out with its advanced technology, featuring twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The G-Class also included the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offering intuitive control over various functions. Standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was notably absent.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the expansive dash. Despite using an older infotainment system, the Sequoia's interface was user-friendly, with straightforward menus and large hard buttons. While it lacked the sophistication of newer systems, its simplicity was a refreshing change for some users.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its body-on-frame construction provided inherent safety advantages, though its size and weight required responsible driving. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations, but its robust build and advanced safety systems offered peace of mind.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While it lacked some advanced features like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided a solid array of safety technologies. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rating in the NHTSA's rollover test, highlighting some limitations in its safety performance.