Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Hyundai Tucson

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson, a continuation of its fourth generation, maintained its striking design introduced in 2022. Its sharp angles and unique features, such as headlights seamlessly integrated into the grille, created a bold yet cohesive look. Even in a neutral color like white, the Tucson stood out with its athletic presence, a testament to Hyundai's distinct design philosophy. Unlike some luxury brands that replicate styles across models, Hyundai ensured each vehicle had its own identity. The Tucson's trim levels, from SE to Limited, offered various aesthetic and functional enhancements, such as alloy wheels and upgraded headlights, contributing to its modern and refined appearance.

Inside, the Tucson's cabin was a blend of technology and comfort, with a layout that felt both advanced and user-friendly. While some controls, like the touch-capacitive volume buttons, were less intuitive, the overall design was practical, with strategically placed controls near the shifter and cupholders. The base SE trim came with essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration, while higher trims added conveniences like dual-zone climate control and a larger touchscreen. The Limited trim, which was tested, boasted luxury features such as ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof, making it a well-equipped choice for those seeking a premium experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while modernized over the years, retained its iconic boxy design reminiscent of the original 1979 G-Wagen. For 2025, subtle updates like a new grille and bumpers were introduced, but the classic flat hood and prominent corner lights remained unchanged. The G-Class's robust doors and distinctive locking sound added to its unique character, a feature few luxury vehicles could replicate. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. The G 550 models offered a range of wheel options, while the AMG G 63 featured performance-oriented enhancements like carbon-fiber trim.

Inside, the G-Class combined opulence with ruggedness, featuring large vents, ambient lighting, and metallic accents that gave it a futuristic feel. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for differential locks, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels with additional controls, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its luxurious interior, the G-Class maintained a utilitarian edge, reflecting its heritage while offering modern comforts.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled with highway acceleration, requiring significant throttle input and producing noticeable noise. For those seeking more power, Hyundai offered hybrid variants with up to 261 horsepower, though these came with a unique button-style shifter that required some acclimation.

The Tucson excelled in handling and ride quality, balancing comfort and agility. It absorbed road imperfections well, making it suitable for long journeys or daily commutes. While not as sporty as some competitors, its well-weighted steering and precise handling provided a satisfying driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured mild-hybrid systems and nine-speed automatic transmissions, with permanent four-wheel drive and locking differentials enhancing off-road capabilities.

Despite its size, the G-Class was surprisingly quick, with the G 550 accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the G 63 in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model's V8 engine provided a thrilling soundtrack, while the G 550's inline-six offered a more subdued experience. The G 63's new AMG Active Ride Control suspension improved both on-road and off-road dynamics, allowing for adjustable body roll and a more comfortable ride. While the G 550 excelled in technical off-road scenarios, the G 63's enhanced suspension allowed for faster, more comfortable off-road driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson offered impressive cargo space, with up to 74.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and 38.7 cubic feet with them in use. These figures were among the best in the compact SUV segment, second only to the Honda CR-V. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate, available on SEL trims and above, provided convenience without the need for awkward foot movements. The interior accommodated up to five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, making it suitable for long trips with four adults.

The Tucson's cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including deep cup holders and a center tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing practicality for everyday use.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a unique blend of compactness and utility. It was shorter and narrower than rivals like the Range Rover, resulting in a tall passenger compartment with excellent headroom but limited legroom. The upright driving position and thin roof pillars provided good visibility, while the side-hinged tailgate facilitated cargo access, albeit with some challenges when street parked.

With 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the G-Class lagged behind competitors in storage capacity. However, its 7,716-pound towing capacity was commendable, rivaling midsize pickup trucks. The G-Class's compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park compared to larger luxury SUVs, offering a commanding view of the road without the bulk.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, praised for its user-friendly interface. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel, though these upgrades sacrificed wireless connectivity for smartphone integration. The intuitive layout and glove-friendly controls made the system practical in various conditions. Hyundai's remote start system was also noteworthy, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and drive off without additional steps.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a seamless display across the dashboard, offering features like augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. The off-road menu and "Transparent Hood" feature enhanced the G-Class's capabilities, while the Burmester 3D surround sound system provided an immersive audio experience. Optional rear-seat entertainment and a dashcam added to the G-Class's tech offerings, catering to both driver and passenger needs.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Limited trim added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and Hyundai's Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete at the time.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while lacking official safety ratings, offered a robust array of standard driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, enhancing occupant protection. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering, further improving safety and convenience.