Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Ford Edge

The 2021 Ford Edge retained much of its styling from the 2019 refresh, which successfully aligned its exterior with Ford's contemporary design language. This refresh gave the Edge a cleaner and more refined appearance compared to the more elaborate designs of competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Edge Titanium models featured additional chrome accents to signify their premium status, while the Edge ST trim boasted a blacked-out grille, standard 20-inch wheels, and a sporty body kit. The ST-Line offered the same exterior styling as the ST but without the performance enhancements and higher price tag. Inside, the Edge's design began to show its age, with a less modern feel compared to the exterior. The interior had been modified over the years to accommodate new features, such as a larger touchscreen. Titanium models came with leather upholstery, while ST models featured sporty front seats with added bolstering and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, both adorned with contrast stitching.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, had a storied history dating back to its debut in 1979. The second-generation W463 model, introduced in 1991, marked a significant evolution. By 2018, the G-Class underwent its first major redesign since its inception, resulting in the 2019 model year. For 2021, the G-Class was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, with starting prices of $131,750 and $156,450, respectively. The G-Wagen's design was characterized by its boxy, retro exterior, which set it apart from other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, the G-Class featured a tasteful design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambiance could be customized with multicolor ambient lighting. Despite its military origins, the G-Class had become a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxurious features. However, it remained a rugged and capable off-road machine.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered a range of performance options. Most models were equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Edge ST performance model featured a more powerful EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel. The ST model came with standard AWD, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and model-specific suspension tuning. An optional package added upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels with summer tires. The Edge ST aimed to compete with performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan, although some enthusiasts found the comparison ambitious. The Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered Edge ST.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550 model, was a formidable performer despite its substantial curb weight of 5,551 pounds. Under the hood, it housed a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, generating 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The G550 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and permanent four-wheel drive (4WD). Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading, allowed for precise control of throttle, transmission, and steering. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, an impressive feat for an SUV of its size. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a comfortable ride on various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level, with a tuned V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway/18 mpg combined for the G550 and 13/16/14 for the G63.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered competitive interior space, with the most rear-seat headroom among midsize crossovers and ample legroom in both rows. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. Cargo space was generous, with 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Edge's rotary shift knob aimed to free up center console space, but the narrow console limited its effectiveness. A storage nook below the console provided additional space, though it was somewhat difficult to access.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, combined luxury with practicality. It offered 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. The front cabin was spacious, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a reclining seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G550's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, serving as both a practical feature and a styling cue.

The 2021 Ford Edge was equipped with Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were also standard. The Edge ST models came with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Edge featured four USB ports, including two rear USB ports, one of which was USB-C. The Sync 4 system was praised for its simple graphics and user-friendly menu layouts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable for layout, content, and color, allowing for a personalized experience. The G550 featured the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive control. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the G550 came with three USB and two 12-volt outlets. WiFi was standard, but wireless device charging was not available. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Mercedes me connect services for three years.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation, with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention and headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class prioritized safety with its rugged construction and advanced safety systems. Standard features included a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist system could be abrupt, requiring careful understanding. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.