Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, with a reputation for being both a rugged and stylish vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a focus on practicality and modern styling. It was available in S, SE, or SEL trims, with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Taos featured a handsome design with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and a vibrant Cornflower Blue paint option. Its exterior was equipped with roof rails, dark gray plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates, fitting right into the SUV segment. Inside, the Taos offered a spacious cabin with hard plastics but complemented by soft surfaces where it mattered most. The SEL trim level added two-tone perforated leather and upscale dashboard materials, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for its segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the G550 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, impressive for a vehicle weighing 5,551 pounds. The G-Class featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive and dynamic driving programs, including a "G-mode" for off-roading. Its suspension system combined a double-wishbone independent front suspension with a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The G-Class also offered adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the Taos felt powerful enough for everyday driving, its turbocharger exhibited some lag, resulting in delayed throttle response. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with the 4Motion AWD system offered spirited performance but could be erratic and harsh in shifting. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. Despite these challenges, the Taos delivered a light and compliant driving experience, with responsive steering and commendable grip, especially in Sport mode.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not only luxurious but also practical, offering 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The G-Class featured a roomy front cabin with ample storage and a tall roofline, providing excellent headroom. The second row was spacious, accommodating three adults comfortably. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was classified as a compact SUV but offered a surprisingly roomy cabin. The SEL trim provided deeply bolstered seats with power adjustments and heating and ventilation options. The rear seat was spacious, with generous legroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with front-wheel-drive models offering more space than 4Motion models. The Taos also featured a center pass-through, making it ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable and complemented by a Burmester Surround Sound system, creating an immersive experience. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class also offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch display. The Taos included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL trim added a navigation system and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the MIB3 infotainment system had some usability issues, with complex menu navigation and voice recognition challenges.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos democratized its IQ Drive safety technologies, making them standard or available across all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Taos SEL included additional features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, providing advanced driving assistance and safety capabilities. However, the Taos had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review.