Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite continuous updates, the G-Class maintained its distinctive features, such as a flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. For 2025, Mercedes introduced subtle styling updates, including a new grille and bumpers, while keeping traditional design elements intact. Functional changes included repositioning the rearview camera and adding new A-pillar trim and a rear spoiler to reduce noise. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options and an extensive Manufaktur program for customization. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for differential locks, and AMG models featured sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a bold American-inspired design with high-sided body panels, large wheels, and a pickup truck-like fascia. Its front fascia mirrored the larger Atlas, featuring a wide grille, chrome trim, and sleek headlights. The Atlas Cross Sport's design was clean and uncluttered, with U-shaped fenders and a gently sloping roof. The rear lighting was busy but crisp, while the chrome bar below the taillight strip added a touch of age. The interior impressed with smart materials, a single touchscreen, and a gauge cluster set into the dash. The seats featured diamond-contrast stitching and carbon twill fabric, providing an upscale look and feel. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and the back seat offered a palatial experience. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, though some controls felt like a step backward.

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 producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system for additional power at lower speeds, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. 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 featured the new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious and powerful experience.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on lower trims and all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Atlas Cross Sport's fuel economy was competitive, with 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. However, the engine struggled with acceleration, especially when carrying passengers and cargo. The steering was light and lifeless, but the transmission shifted smoothly. The ride was rough, but body motion was well-controlled, and the seats provided comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport's performance was adequate for daily driving but lacked the power and excitement of its competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall yet short passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. The driving position was upright, reminiscent of its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 22.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and the side-hinged tailgate could complicate loading in tight spaces. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious and supportive back seat. The infotainment interface was user-friendly, though some controls felt like a step backward. The touchscreen was bright and lacked customization options, and the climate controls were fully digital. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Atlas Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered ample cargo space, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured plenty of storage options, including a deep center cubby and large cupholders.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and excellent voice recognition were notable MBUX features. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options for a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the infotainment system displayed navigation icons even when the feature wasn't available. The "with Technology" trim added adaptive headlights, illuminated emblems, a hands-free power tailgate, and more. The climate controls offered presets for quick adjustments, and the proximity key worked at all four doors. The Atlas Cross Sport also included multiple USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and remote connectivity with the myVW+ app.

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 a crash by engaging seatbelt tensioners and closing windows. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover tests. The IIHS named it a 2026 Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitors, and more. The Atlas Cross Sport also featured automatic post-collision braking and the Intelligent Crash Response System.