2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a striking blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with straight body lines and a robust appearance. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, creating a cohesive and customizable cabin 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 Kia Sorento presented a stylish and practical midsize SUV option. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its presence. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin was thoughtfully designed, offering comfort and convenience for both driver and passengers. While the third-row seating was cramped, the Sorento excelled in providing ample cargo space when the seats were folded down. Overall, the Sorento delivered a sense of luxury and practicality, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, 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 offered impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being the standout choice. This engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to the base engine. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, offering a smooth and responsive ride. While the Sorento's acceleration was not as quick as expected, it handled well, with a suspension tuned for a balance of comfort and control. The Sorento's fuel economy was more favorable, though real-world figures fell short of EPA estimates.

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 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked some modern conveniences, such as hands-free access to the tailgate.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was both stylish and functional, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed with families in mind, featuring cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. While the third-row seating was cramped, the Sorento excelled in cargo space, offering 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento also featured a "smart" power tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. However, the G-Class lacked wireless device charging, and WiFi required a subscription after the initial trial period.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. While the base LX trim had an 8-inch screen, higher trims featured the larger display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the design choices might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento's voice recognition system was less effective than its Hyundai counterparts. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be intrusive, and the G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations like the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety technologies, with varying features depending on the trim level. Notable features included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.