Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs GMC Acadia

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger and more imposing vehicle. It was 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end featured a more upright design and a broad grille, reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition, though this was mostly visible in specific lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette, adding a sporty touch.

The Acadia was available in three trims: the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxe Denali. The Elevation came with standard 18-inch wheels, while the Denali offered 20-inch wheels with optional 22s, and the AT4 had model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The Denali's grille featured intricate detailing inspired by bridge trusswork, while the AT4 had red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the dashboard was lowered for better visibility, and the third-row passengers benefited from a repositioned rear roof pillar. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and unique stitching, didn't feel as luxurious as expected.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the 1979 G-Wagen. While it had been continuously updated, the 2025 model featured subtle styling updates, including a new grille and bumpers. Traditional design elements like the flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged, contributing to the G-Class's unique character. The doors produced a distinctive clacking noise when locked or unlocked, a feature that added to its charm.

Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G 550 came standard with 19-inch wheels, while the AMG G 63 had 20-inch wheels with optional 22s and carbon-fiber trim. The G-Class interior was opulent, with 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. The G-Class offered a luxurious yet rugged experience, with a focus on both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-liter V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity with an available towing package. However, the engine's coarse note was less appealing, especially in the high-end Denali trim.

An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with front-wheel drive available on Elevation and Denali models, and all-wheel drive standard on the AT4. The AT4 featured a twin-clutch system for off-road driving, a 1.2-inch ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode. While the Acadia AT4 was a light off-roader, it handled dirt roads well without excessive tire noise. The Denali's suspension provided a comfortable ride, but both the Denali and AT4 felt larger than they were due to their handling characteristics.

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 a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive.

The G-Class offered impressive acceleration, with the G 550 reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the G 63 in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. The G 63 could traverse rough terrain comfortably at higher speeds, while the G 550 excelled in low-speed, technical off-road driving. Despite its truck-like feel, the G-Class provided a plush ride with low wind and tire noise.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's interior was designed for spaciousness, with a low dashboard and ample glass. It offered more headroom across all three rows than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Acadia also had more first-row legroom, though the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows, respectively. Cargo space was significantly improved, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An underfloor storage bin and a "presence based" power liftgate added to its utility.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with plenty of headroom. It was more compact than a standard-wheelbase Range Rover, making it easier to maneuver and park. Cargo space was limited, with 22.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and the side-hinged tailgate could complicate loading in tight spaces. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some rivals, but still impressive for a luxury SUV. Its design provided a commanding view of the road, with good forward visibility and manageable dimensions.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with an optional 8-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Bose system. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. The instrument cluster graphics were crisp, though small drive-mode icons could be overlooked.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (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. The G-Class included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2024 GMC Acadia's safety ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. The Acadia also offered the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option, allowing for hands-free driving on certain roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class also lacked safety ratings at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The G-Class featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for a crash by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.