Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Ford Escape

The 2024 Ford Escape carried forward the significant updates introduced in 2023, which included a restyled front end, new wheel designs, and a revamped trim lineup. These changes, along with next-generation infotainment and enhanced safety features, made the SUV more appealing. The previous model's wide-eyed, toothless smile was replaced by a more aggressive look, although the rest of the SUV retained a soft and generically appealing appearance. Ford offered the 2024 Escape in various trims, including Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid, with prices ranging from $29,345 to $40,500, excluding the destination charge.

The test vehicle, an ST-Line Elite, featured extra-cost Rapid Red paint, black 19-inch wheels, the Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof, bringing the price to $43,650. Inside, it boasted diamond-stitched, perforated leather and all tech upgrades, initially giving an upscale impression. However, excessively glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery raised questions about the high cost. Despite these issues, the Escape's rumored upcoming demise suggested that Ford might not address these concerns.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while continuously updated, retained its heritage dating back to 1979 with the utilitarian "Geländewagen" or "G-Wagen." The modern G-Class, larger and more luxurious than the original, maintained its distinctive boxy design. For 2025, Mercedes introduced subtle styling updates, including a new grille and bumpers, while preserving traditional design features like the flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors. These elements contributed to the G-Class's unique character, with its loud clacking doors adding to its charm.

Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera, new A-pillar trim, and a rear spoiler for noise reduction. The G 550 models came standard with 19-inch wheels, while AMG G 63 models featured 20-inch wheels, with optional 22-inch wheels and carbon-fiber trim. The Manufaktur program offered over a million combinations of exterior paint colors and interior trim for customization. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, creating a sci-fi aesthetic. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain with an expected 39 mpg in combined driving or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, averaging 26 mpg. The test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system included a driveline disconnect feature for improved fuel economy, and drivers could select between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery driving modes. However, there was no Off-Road mode. The turbocharged engine allowed the Escape to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Despite the sporty appearance of the ST-Line Elite, the driving dynamics didn't match the promise of the ST badge. The turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, but the ride was soft and compliant, with handling feeling nimble in typical driving situations. However, the suspension allowed too much unwanted body motion, and the steering felt sluggish and numb. The brake pedal was responsive and easy to modulate. For most people, the Escape ST-Line offered a sporty look and comfortable driving dynamics, but the turbo engine felt wasted in this application. The hybrid powertrain or lower-tier Escape models with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine rated for 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque were recommended for better value.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a first-ever all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology variant. The base G 550 traded its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine for a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system providing 20 hp and 148 lb-ft at lower speeds, connected to nine-speed automatic transmissions and permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) with locking differentials.

Despite its weight and aerodynamic challenges, the G-Class delivered impressive performance. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. Top speeds were electronically limited to 130 mph for the G 550 and 137 mph for the G 63. The AMG model's V8 engine provided a dramatic bellow, enhancing the driving experience. The G63 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, employing hydraulic anti-roll control for improved handling. This system allowed drivers to select the level of body roll, offering a more compliant or buttoned-down ride. The G 63 excelled in off-road performance, while the G 550 remained capable in low-speed, technical off-road driving. Both models provided a plush ride with low wind and tire noise, ensuring comfort on long journeys.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line offered a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching for a sporty look. Leather was optional with the ST-Line Elite trim, but it was not recommended due to its uncomfortable feel. The test model featured ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, ventilated front seats were absent, which would have been beneficial during a Southern California heatwave.

The Escape's front seats were large and soft, providing good support over time. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a rare feature in the segment. The back seat was comfortable when slid into its rearmost position, and the SUV's design made it easy to enter and exit through all four doors. Interior storage was generous in the front, but rear passengers had less accommodation. Cargo volume measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat (34.4 cubic feet for the hybrid), expanding to 65.4 cubic feet (60.8 cubic feet in the hybrid) with the rear seat folded. The test vehicle offered deep storage areas and a grocery bag hook in the cargo area.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as large as some high-end luxury SUVs, provided a tall-yet-short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. The G-Class's traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place, less than competitors like the Range Rover and Lexus LX. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading but could be challenging when street parked.

The G-Class had a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds for both the G 550 and AMG G 63 variants, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a commanding view of the road with good forward visibility, thanks to thin roof pillars, a low hood, and short overhangs. The corner lamps helped drivers gauge the hood's end. Its relatively short length and narrow width made parking easier compared to larger rivals.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured digital instrumentation, with lower trims having an 8-inch display and upper trims, like the ST-Line Elite, boasting a 12.3-inch display with pleasing graphics. The test vehicle's 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system impressed with its landscape format and intuitive layout. However, the color theme appeared washed out, and thin fonts were challenging to read. The dual-zone automatic climate controls were integrated into the screen, which was not ideal.

Lower trims had an 8-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and FordPass Connect services. The larger touchscreen added Amazon Alexa and a three-year subscription to connected navigation. A Bang & Olufsen premium sound system was available, but the test vehicle's speakers were damaged. The Sync 4 system exhibited lag time, and the wireless smartphone charger overheated an iPhone. The voice recognition system was excellent, and switching between Apple CarPlay and the native environment was easy.

The test vehicle included an optional head-up display (HUD) that projected data onto a clear piece of plastic rising from the dashboard. While not dramatically additive, it was part of the Premium Technology Package. Active Park Assist 2.0, a semi-autonomous parking assistance technology, was also included, but it was impractical in busy areas.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had dual 12.3-inch screens, one for the gauge cluster and the other for infotainment, creating the impression of a continuous screen. An off-road menu provided information like a compass, tire pressure, and an inclinometer. The "Transparent Hood" feature used a forward-facing camera to show obstacles at low angles.

MBUX included augmented reality navigation, projecting arrows over a camera view for precise directions, and excellent voice recognition with the command "Hey Mercedes." Mercedes claimed to have created approximately 20 new voice commands for the G-Class. A Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos audio enhancement was standard. Optional features included a dashcam and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch touchscreens for streaming content.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with a standard post-collision automatic braking system and Ford Co-Pilot360, a collection of driving assistance systems. These included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The ST-Line Elite added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, evasive steering assist, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

While driving, the lane-keeping systems displayed inconsistent behavior, and the predictive speed assist slowed the SUV excessively, causing irritation among other motorists. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems also shut down unexpectedly. However, on freeways, the Co-Pilot360 technology performed better, with smoother adaptive cruise control and more effective lane-keeping systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2024 Escape five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the 2024 Escape at the time of writing, but the 2023 model received Good ratings, except for a Marginal score in a new side-impact safety test.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which was typical for expensive, low-volume models. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, park assist, a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and traffic sign recognition.

The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which engaged seatbelt tensioners and closed windows if a crash was imminent. For 2025, three new features were added: route-based speed adaptation for adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature that braked the G-Class to a standstill if the driver became incapacitated.