Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Ford Bronco

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior was luxurious, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents and ambient lighting. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, adding to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2026 Ford Bronco was designed as a formidable off-road competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, with an upright stance and 8.4 inches of ground clearance on four-door models. Its large windows and lower beltline provided excellent sight lines for off-road adventures. The interior combined high-tech features like 12-inch digital screens with rugged, easy-to-clean materials. The build quality impressed, though the optional sound-deadening material on the roof panels was less effective. The 60th Anniversary package added eye-catching aesthetics but came with a hefty price tag. Overall, the Bronco offered great off-road capability and practicality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 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 nine-speed automatic transmissions 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 G 63 also featured the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Ford Bronco came standard with 4WD and a 300-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. The test vehicle featured a 330-hp, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, providing smooth acceleration and excellent low-end torque. The Bronco excelled in low-speed urban maneuvers and offered a relatively quiet ride at city speeds. However, highway driving introduced significant tire, wind, and road noise. Despite this, the Bronco remained comfortable, handling road imperfections well. Off-road, it was a top performer, with excellent visibility and available surround-view cameras. The Bronco also offered a manual transmission option, adding to its appeal.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 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 rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Ford Bronco offered practical features for both off-road and daily driving. Interior storage spaces were well-designed, with netting on the doors for holding water bottles. The four-door model provided up to 83 cubic feet of cargo space with the soft top, though the load floor wasn't flat. Running boards and side steps were available for easier access, and the window and mirror controls were conveniently located on the center console. The Bronco's design prioritized practicality and ease of use.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured 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 seamless display. Off-road information and a "Transparent Hood" feature enhanced its capabilities. Notable options included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system, while the Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard.

The 2026 Ford Bronco came with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen, running Sync 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. G.O.A.T. modes were standard, with additional off-road tech features available on higher trims. Optional tech included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, ambient lighting, and a surround-view camera system. The Bronco offered a comprehensive suite of tech features for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2026 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features such as high-beam assist, hill-start assist, and automatic emergency braking. Advanced features like blind-spot monitors and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The IIHS gave the Bronco mixed ratings, with Good scores in some crashworthiness tests but Marginal ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.