2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a testament to Subaru's strategy of adapting to the crossover trend by enhancing its Impreza hatchback with rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive, and a higher driving position. This transformation gave the Crosstrek a distinct SUV-like character, further accentuated by its black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Crosstrek's vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while its design shared the Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional yet plain interior, with some questionable design choices like the clashing Plasma Yellow Pearl accents in the Sport trim. Despite these quirks, the Crosstrek offered practical features like water-repellant StarTex upholstery, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or G-Wagen, was a luxurious yet rugged SUV with a rich history dating back to its 1979 debut. The G-Class was known for its boxy, retro design, which set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz models. In the U.S., the 2021 lineup included the G550 and the high-performance AMG G63, both offering extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. The G-Class's interior was a blend of luxury and technology, featuring twin 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, customizable ambient lighting, and a Burmester Surround Sound system. Despite its opulent features, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a favorite among celebrities and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains: a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque for the Sport and Limited trims, and a 2.0-liter boxer-four engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque for the Base and Premium trims. The Crosstrek also had a plug-in hybrid option, though details for the 2021 model were not announced. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes provided decent off-road capabilities. However, most Crosstreks were expected to remain on pavement, where they offered predictable handling and a comfortable ride. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration, though the CVT's droning was noticeable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, was a powerhouse with 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 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class featured a sophisticated suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G550's off-road capabilities were impressive, with adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and favorable approach, departure, and breakover angles. For those seeking more power, the AMG G63 offered 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class had a relatively compact turning circle of 44.6 feet, though its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space for a small crossover. It provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.3 cubic feet with them folded. While the Crosstrek offered more cargo space than some rivals, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, though its effectiveness was debatable. Up front, the Crosstrek had a convenient cubby with USB and auxiliary ports, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to charging ports. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but not as elevated as traditional SUVs, though visibility was excellent thanks to large side windows.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in both luxury and practicality. The G550 offered 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 spacious front cabin featured comfortable seats and ample storage, while the tall roofline provided 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. The G550's exterior spare tire was both a practical and stylistic feature.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured Subaru's Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a Multimedia Plus setup with WiFi, SiriusXM, and a CD player. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was standard on the Limited trim and optional on others. The Crosstrek's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted impressive tech features, including twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. These customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the layout, content, and color to their preferences, creating an immersive experience. The G550's Burmester Surround Sound system added to the luxury feel. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive control. The G550 included three USB and two 12-volt outlets, WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in side crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2020 model a "Top Safety Pick" rating, contingent on optional EyeSight features and Steering Responsive Headlights. EyeSight offered adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions. The optional blind-spot monitoring system was effective, with prominent warning lights on the mirrors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with numerous safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, and more. The G550's size and weight provided inherent safety advantages, though they also posed risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.