2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite its modern updates, including a new grille and subtle bumper changes, the G-Class maintained its traditional features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, producing a distinctive clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Ford Explorer, largely unchanged from its 2025 facelift, presented a more rugged, truck-like appearance. The Tremor model amplified this with all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, and off-road lights. The Electric Spice color added a unique touch, while the raised suspension improved ground clearance and off-road angles. The Explorer lineup remained consistent, with the Active as the base model and the Platinum as the most luxurious. The interior, updated in 2025, featured a new infotainment system and improved design, though some materials felt subpar for the price. Despite this, the Explorer offered a range of options, from basic cloth seats to leather upholstery.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model's new Active Ride Control suspension enhanced both off-road and on-road dynamics, offering a more comfortable ride and improved handling.

The 2026 Ford Explorer maintained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Tremor and ST models featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and AWD optional. The Explorer's unibody design, shared with the Mustang and Lincoln Aviator, provided confident handling and a comfortable ride. The Tremor model excelled off-road, handling challenging terrain with ease, while the V6 engine offered impressive passing power and smooth gear shifts.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodated up to seven passengers across three rows, with reasonable space for a midsize crossover. It offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 85.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. While it lacked some innovative storage solutions, the Explorer provided ample storage options for smaller items. Its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds was average for its class, though less than some competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Notable options included a Burmester 3D surround sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The MBUX system offered augmented reality navigation and excellent voice recognition, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. It featured USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a B&O audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though climate control icons could be more accessible. The Explorer's 360-degree camera system was particularly useful for off-road driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering.

The 2026 Ford Explorer offered CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included CoPilot 360 2.0 with additional features like a 360-degree camera system. The Explorer also featured BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, upgraded to version 1.5 for 2026. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.