2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

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 screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, riding on a new platform, presented a modern and stylish design. In the U.S., it was offered in a long-wheelbase version with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. The Tucson's front showcased Hyundai's new design language with a parametric grille and LED lighting that formed a unique shape. Its side profile borrowed styling cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a floating roof design. The rear boasted distinctive LED taillights, contributing to its standout appearance among compact SUVs. The Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim, and offered high-end features like gloss black pillars and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal in the competitive compact SUV market.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which housed 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 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class featured a robust suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The 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, the G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three locking differentials. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and a hybrid variant with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 226 combined horsepower. The hybrid powertrain was the highlight, providing a more engaging driving experience and outperforming competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. The Tucson's hybrid model delivered impressive fuel efficiency, with 37 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Tucson also offered an all-wheel-drive option, standard on the hybrid model, which performed well in off-road conditions. The forthcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even more power and efficiency, with an estimated 261 horsepower and a 25-mile electric range.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, offering 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up 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 G-Class featured a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked some modern conveniences, such as hands-free access to the tailgate.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson excelled in interior space and comfort, with a more spacious cabin than its predecessors. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with higher trims providing additional features like heated and ventilated seats. The Tucson's rear seats provided ample legroom, and its cargo area offered 74.8 cubic feet of space, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Tucson also featured a dual-level cargo floor and a hands-free liftgate on mid-grade models, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted impressive technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to create a personalized cabin environment. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. It also offered a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a strong set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Tucson also featured a digital instrument cluster and a user-friendly interface, though some touchpoints on the center console were challenging to use while driving. Overall, the Tucson provided a comprehensive tech package for its price point.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed potential risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations like IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, with standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keep assist. Additional safety options included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's comprehensive safety package rivaled those found in luxury SUVs. The Tucson also came with a robust warranty, offering peace of mind to buyers.