Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Toyota 4Runner

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, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior exuded luxury with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, offering a sci-fi aesthetic. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, adding to their appeal.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design elements with the Tacoma pickup, presenting a muscular look with pronounced haunches and black wheel flares for off-road models. The front grille sat high, with heritage-inspired designs on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models. The interior was utilitarian, with chunky control dials and hard plastic surfaces. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather and leather options available on higher trims. Despite its rugged appearance, the cabin lacked the high-end feel of luxury SUVs, focusing more on practicality and ease of cleaning.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. 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, enhancing performance at lower speeds. 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 also boasted an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, improving both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the i-Force Max hybrid system, which increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The hybrid powertrain provided ample torque for off-roading, although its acceleration was modest, with a mid-to-low seven-second 0–60 mph time. The 4Runner featured part-time or full-time 4WD systems, with the TRD Off-Road model offering a part-time system and the Limited and Platinum models equipped with full-time 4WD. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like a locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, and skid plates.

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 rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two- or three-row seating configurations, with the front seats providing the best comfort. The second row had decent space but lacked thigh support, while the third row was cramped with limited legroom. Cargo space was competitive with midsize rivals, with two-row models offering up to 90.2 cubic feet of space. The hybrid powertrain reduced cargo capacity slightly due to a higher load floor. The 4Runner's interior focused on practicality, with options for folding the second row to create a flat load floor.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard. Optional features included a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, expandable to 12.3 inches and 14 inches, respectively, in higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick access to functions. The 4Runner included a one-year trial of Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The digital instrument cluster offered customizable information, and standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a wireless phone charger.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. It received mixed crash test scores, with four stars from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS in some tests. The 4Runner performed well in side crash tests and front crash prevention systems.