2024 Lexus RX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its recent redesign, presented a somewhat polarizing exterior design. The front end was characterized by an oversized trapezoidal grille, which, rather than being a separate styling element, started in the bodywork, creating an awkward appearance, especially in lighter colors. The hood added to the bulky look with a prominent bump, contrasting sharply with the sleek designs of previous RX models. The sides featured bulging body panels enveloping the rear fenders, and a swooping chrome accent strip suggested a floating-roof design, which seemed slightly out of place. The rear end, however, was more cohesive, with a tidy design connecting the taillights with a single light strip. Inside, the RX offered a more conventional and inviting layout, especially in the top Luxury trim, with faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite some mismatched materials, the cabin was covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, providing a sturdy construction.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its heritage back to the original 1979 G-Wagen. While subtle styling updates were made, such as a new grille and bumpers, the traditional flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged, contributing to its distinctive character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 featuring larger wheels and optional carbon-fiber exterior trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a modern Mercedes design aesthetic, including large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for the three differential locks, and AMG models featured a sportier steering wheel, enhancing the rugged yet opulent feel of the cabin.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the base RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard AWD. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ offered 304 hp and an electric-only range of up to 37 miles, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered compared to rivals, the RX 450h+ provided a more responsive driving experience. The RX prioritized comfort with its soft suspension tuning, resulting in noticeable body roll during cornering but smoothing over road imperfections effectively.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 replaced its previous twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system providing additional power at lower speeds, connected to nine-speed automatic transmissions and permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) with locking differentials. The G 550 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road driving dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious and powerful experience, while the G 550 provided a comfortable ride with its less-sophisticated suspension.

The 2024 Lexus RX provided ample front seat space with power adjustments, standard heating, and available ventilation. A rubberized wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with additional USB ports and spacious cupholders. The rear seats offered good legroom and headroom, with manual sunshades and standard rear climate controls. The RX had up to 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with hands-free operation available as an option.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some rivals, offered a tall passenger compartment with plenty of headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited to 22.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, and a side-hinged tailgate could complicate loading in tight spaces. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 Lexus RX featured a new infotainment system with a touchscreen measuring 9.8 inches in lower trims and 14 inches in higher trims. The system offered logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, along with natural speech commands. The steering wheel had multi-function pads, and a cloud-based navigation system was standard, though prone to connectivity issues. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system was an option.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a continuous display. The system included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options for a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, despite a "Poor" rating in the moderate frontal overlap test. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. Some features could be adjusted for sensitivity or disabled.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a crash, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.