2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 GMC Yukon

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 immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road vehicle, with a reputation for being both a rugged machine and a canvas for personalization through the G Manufaktur Program.

The 2022 GMC Yukon, on the other hand, was a full-size SUV that embraced chrome to stand out among its peers. The Denali trim, in particular, showcased a commanding presence with its chrome-dominated front grille and C-shaped headlights. The Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted interior, with standard seating for eight and available second-row captain's chairs for added comfort. The Denali trim featured unique interior designs, including the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding a premium touch. The Yukon also catered to off-road enthusiasts with the AT4 trim, which boasted a distinct look and off-road capabilities. Overall, the Yukon provided a blend of luxury, space, and functionality, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produced 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 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading, and boasted impressive off-road capabilities with its high ground clearance and locking differentials. The more powerful AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size and weight, the G-Class offered a nimble and capable driving experience, though its fuel economy was a trade-off, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a range of engine options, including a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower on the Denali trim. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine was also available, providing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, along with excellent fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Yukon offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The AT4 trim was designed for off-road adventures, featuring a two-speed transfer case and a front skid plate. The Yukon's towing capacity reached up to 8,400 pounds with the right configuration, making it a practical choice for those needing to haul heavy loads. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550's 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 design. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature, though it lacked hands-free access for the tailgate.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in interior space, especially with its redesigned third row, which offered 34.9 inches of legroom. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet, thanks to a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options made accessing the third row easy. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding convenience. Power-retractable assist steps were part of the Denali Ultimate Package, though they could be tricky to avoid in wet conditions. The Yukon's pushbutton transmission controls were a modern touch, though they required some acclimation.

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. The G550 featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. A Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the audio experience, while standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was notably absent.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch head-up display, offering a wealth of information, including safety aids and off-road data. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Bose 14-speaker audio system was standard on the Denali, though its sound quality was underwhelming. The Denali Ultimate Package included a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, compatible with various media formats.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist was noted for its abrupt interventions, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety further. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection but only three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.