2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Ford Bronco

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 a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, creating a customizable and ambient atmosphere. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco embraced its retro styling with a modern twist, appealing to off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height that enhanced its off-road capabilities. The interior continued this theme with practical features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco's technology, including the G.O.A.T. mode and trail camera, enhanced its off-road prowess while maintaining a comfortable ride on pavement. Its modular construction allowed for easy customization, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both adventure and practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was a powerhouse with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty 5,551-pound curb weight, the G550 was surprisingly quick, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities with a 30.9-degree approach angle and 29.9-degree departure angle, supported by a robust suspension system. For those seeking more power, the AMG G63 offered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a crawl gear for low-speed off-roading. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Everglades showcasing its capabilities on challenging terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco provided a smooth and comfortable ride on pavement, outperforming rivals like the Jeep Wrangler. Its only drawback was some wind noise on the highway, but it remained a versatile and capable vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding 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 front cabin was roomy, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages, and the G-Class lacked hands-free access for the tailgate.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the four-door hard-top provided up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was enhanced by external mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

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, complemented by the Burmester Surround Sound system for an immersive experience. The COMAND system, controlled by unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered advanced functionality. The G-Class included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The trail camera and Trail Turn Assist features improved off-road navigation. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, paired with an available wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its rugged construction and standard safety systems, including a rearview camera, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received four-out-of-five stars for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS for frontal, side, and roof strength tests.