2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a symbol of rugged luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design harked back to its military origins, yet it was embraced by celebrities and luxury enthusiasts alike. The G-Class offered a unique blend of retro styling with modern luxury, featuring a hand-built construction in Austria and extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. Inside, the G-Class boasted a sophisticated interior with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a personalized driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road vehicle, with its robust design and powerful engine options.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX presented a modern and sporty exterior, with a longer wheelbase and wider body compared to its predecessors. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX showcased a refined design with Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, enhancing its assertive stance. Inside, the MDX offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, featuring authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum. The dashboard design emphasized the cabin's width, while the innovative gear selection and infotainment controls added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was designed for versatility, with a focus on passenger comfort and utility, making it a practical choice for families and commuters alike.

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 was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including a "G-mode" for off-roading, and boasted impressive off-road capabilities with its high ground clearance and locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with its engine tuned to 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Despite its size and weight, the G-Class offered a surprisingly nimble driving experience, though its fuel economy was a modest 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's new 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, with front-wheel drive standard and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available for enhanced cornering and control. The SH-AWD system allowed for torque vectoring, improving the MDX's agility and performance in various driving conditions. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity contributed to a solid and confident driving experience, with five drive modes available to tailor performance to the driver's preferences.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior, with ample cargo space and seating for five. The G550 provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and plenty of storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior design included a rear-mounted spare tire, adding to its rugged appeal.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, with its three-row seating configuration accommodating up to seven passengers. The second row featured a removable center section and sliding seats for flexible legroom, while the third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing the MDX's practicality. The interior lighting system, with 27 customizable themes, added a touch of personalization to the cabin.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, including twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. The customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the display to their preferences, while the Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. Standard tech features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless device charging was notably absent.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted a wealth of technology, highlighted by the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a configurable digital instrument panel, with Amazon Alexa integration for smart home connectivity. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Qi-compatible wireless charging, were standard. The MDX also offered a head-up display, CabinTalk feature, and a WiFi hotspot, with over-the-air updates ensuring the latest software and firmware.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. 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 IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Acura MDX was engineered with a focus on safety, featuring a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front-end design prioritized pedestrian safety, with features like low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-jam assist. While crash-test ratings were pending, Acura aimed for top scores from IIHS and NHTSA.