Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "Geländewagen" 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. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid introduced the TrailSport trim, adding rugged features like orange badges, Shark Gray wheels, and all-terrain tires. The TrailSport also included a silver skid-plate-style trim piece. The CR-V offered seven trim levels, with the Sport trims being hybrid-powered. The exterior design remained largely unchanged, but the interior saw updates like orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in TrailSport models. The CR-V provided a range of color options, including the exclusive Ash Green for TrailSport.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered gasoline and electric variants, with the G 550 featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. 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. The G 550 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 did it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system replaced a traditional transmission with a two-motor setup, offering seamless power transitions and regenerative braking. The CR-V Hybrid achieved 40 mpg combined in FWD models and 37 mpg in AWD models. The TrailSport trim, with its all-terrain tires, managed 35 mpg combined. The CR-V Hybrid provided a smooth ride and excellent steering feel, with an improved AWD system for better traction.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. Its compact size made it easier to maneuver and park. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, and its cargo space was 22.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid boasted 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It offered generous headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating and a functional interior. The CR-V included features like a power tailgate, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The center console provided physical controls and ample storage space.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a standard 9-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital driver display on higher trims. It supported wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. The Sport Touring trim included Google built-in features. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, and audio systems ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a 12-speaker Bose system.

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

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The CR-V included a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, though the TrailSport lacked additional cameras for off-road navigation.