Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs INFINITI QX60

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 opulent, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was offered in Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims, with prices ranging from $53,035 to $68,185. The Autograph trim featured a new Deep Emerald color and a Black Obsidian roof. The QX60's design updates aligned it with the larger QX80, featuring a new grille inspired by a bamboo forest and a piano-key pattern on the lower front fascia. Standard 20-inch wheels enhanced its presence. Inside, the QX60 offered various color options and used TailorFit artificial leather, with the Autograph trim boasting premium semi-aniline leather and luxurious materials.

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 nine-speed automatic transmissions. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four VC-Turbo engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The QX60 averaged 24 mpg with FWD or AWD, though real-world testing showed 20.2 mpg. The vehicle offered multiple driving modes, with Auto mode providing the best balance of performance and efficiency. The QX60's AWD system lacked sophistication, and its suspension was too soft at higher speeds, leading to unwanted body motion.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds and provided good forward visibility. Its relatively short length and narrow width made parking easier compared to larger rivals.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 offered seven-passenger seating on Pure and Luxe trims, while Sport and Autograph trims featured six-passenger seating with captain's chairs. The QX60's interior included heated and ventilated seats, a triple-zone climate control system, and front-seat massage on the Autograph trim. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, but the third-row seats were tight for adults. Cargo space was 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included 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 INFINITI QX60 introduced a Google Built-in infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Google Assistant, and Google Maps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Klipsch premium audio system. The Autograph trim featured a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere setup, though it lacked fidelity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display were available, along with MyQ Connected Garage technology.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured the Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for a crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 offered standard driver-assistance features, with ProPilot Assist 1.1 and 2.1 available on higher trims. The system included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and hands-free driving capability. However, the driver-assist tech needed improvement, with issues like abrupt handoffs and delayed activation. The NHTSA gave the QX60 a five-star overall rating, while IIHS ratings were not available.