Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 models. The interior was luxurious, with a sci-fi aesthetic featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the rugged yet opulent feel of the cabin.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport continued its legacy of elegance with a distinctive design featuring a steeply angled windshield, pop-out door handles, and a clamshell hood. The SV Carbon variant stood out with exposed carbon fiber elements and 23-inch carbon wheels, showcasing its performance prowess. The interior evolved from the previous generation, but the minimalist approach led to a lack of physical controls, making basic functions challenging to access. Despite this, the Range Rover Sport offered a spacious cabin with heated, reclining seats and a generous cargo area, although the rear door opening was narrow due to the large wheels.

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 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent 4WD. 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 model introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered three powertrains, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic SE variant added an electric supercharger, increasing output to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid option provided 454 hp and 487 lb-ft, with up to 53 miles of electric-only driving. The top-tier SV trims featured a BMW-built 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 626 hp. The Range Rover Sport excelled in handling, with adaptive dampers and air springs providing exceptional roadholding and off-road capability.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. Its compact dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park, but cargo space was limited to 22.6 cubic feet. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than the Range Rover. Despite its size, the G-Class provided a commanding view of the road and reasonable visibility.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided generous legroom and headroom, with heated, reclining seats and a spacious cargo area of 31.9 cubic feet. However, the 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded was small for a midsize SUV. The Range Rover Sport excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 7,716 pounds. The lack of physical controls was a drawback, as most functions were accessed through the touchscreen, complicating basic operations.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the tech experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system delivered high-quality audio.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's 13.1-inch display managed features like Wade Sensing and 4x4i apps, but basic functionality was challenging. Apple CarPlay and factory navigation worked well, and the instrument panel offered configurable layouts. The surround-view cameras provided clear visuals, and the Meridian Signature stereo delivered good sound quality, though not as impressive as in the full-size Range Rover.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering were added for 2025. No safety ratings were available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. However, it lacked front knee airbags and a front central airbag. No U.S. crash-test ratings were available, but the Euro NCAP awarded it a five-star rating.