2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with 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, while inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The interior allowed for extensive customization, creating a unique atmosphere with multicolor ambient lighting. 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 Telluride was praised for its muscular design and balanced proportions, making it an attractive midsize SUV. Kia made minimal changes to its successful formula, only updating the grille pattern and adding new badges. The Telluride's interior was both upscale and functional, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents and USB ports in all three rows. The SX Prestige package elevated the interior with Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, giving it a premium feel. The Telluride offered a comfortable ride for all passengers, with ample storage space and a Smart Power Liftgate for convenience. Its design and features made it a practical choice for families seeking both style and utility.

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. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 was surprisingly quick, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It boasted a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G-Class had impressive off-road capabilities, with a 9.5-inch ground clearance and adjustable suspension options. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 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 Kia Telluride, while not as powerful, offered a satisfying driving experience with its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive with a Lock mode for better traction. The Telluride excelled on both dry pavement and challenging conditions like snow and mud, thanks to its Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system. It provided a smooth ride with various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport. The Telluride's fuel economy was more favorable, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined for the AWD model. Its towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for light trailering needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 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 front cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof added to the airy feel. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with its well-organized and upscale interior. It featured thoughtful details like grab handles, overhead air vents, and USB ports in all rows. The SX Prestige package added premium touches like Nappa leather and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, though the third row was less spacious. It provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate and flat load floor made it practical for hauling large items.

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 Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the audio experience, while the COMAND system offered intuitive control via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. The G-Class included standard features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including navigation and voice recognition. While it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered USB ports in all rows and a wireless charging pad in most trims. Kia Connect provided connected services like emergency assistance and remote features. The Telluride also included family-friendly features like Quiet Mode and Driver Talk, enhancing convenience and communication. The SX trim added a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring for a premium tech experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured a range of standard safety systems, including active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its size and body-on-frame construction provided safety advantages in certain crashes, but it had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully.

The 2022 Kia Telluride prioritized safety with its Kia Drive Wise suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also featured Highway Driving Assist for enhanced highway driving. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS. New features like Smart Cruise Control-Curve and Safe Exit Assist added to its safety credentials, though some features, like the curve speed reduction, could be irritating.