Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Mitsubishi Outlander

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

In contrast, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, available in ES, SE, and SEL trims, showcased a bold front design with a thin upper eyebrow and large square headlights. The 2025 model had minor front-end changes, such as a smoother grille and modified diffuser, but retained its distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the top SEL trim offered quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system. The Yamaha speaker faces added a touch of elegance, though some plastic elements detracted from the overall feel.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, as well as the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, producing 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also boasted the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While comparable to rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V, the Outlander lacked the power needed for an enjoyable drive. Its CVT transmission, despite being divided into eight steps, suffered from a droney feel. The Outlander offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, but its performance was hindered by the engine's limitations. The plug-in hybrid variant provided a more powerful alternative with 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, 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 with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a third row of seating, though it was cramped with only 18.7 inches of legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down increased storage to 30 cubic feet. The interior included digital HVAC displays with physical controls, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the cup holders were shallow, causing issues with larger bottles during driving.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature for better visibility. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features, along with a Burmester 3D surround sound system. Optional features included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander introduced a Yamaha premium sound system, with upper trims offering a 12-speaker, 1,650-watt system. The infotainment system included a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with physical controls for volume and camera activation. Upper trims featured a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available, offering features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured the Pre-Safe system and new features like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered basic safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning as standard. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received four stars in rollover and frontal crash tests. IIHS rated the headlights as "Good," with previous models receiving mixed ratings for crash prevention and seat belt reminders.