Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Volkswagen Tiguan

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 and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, making it stand out in the luxury SUV market. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models, which also offered a range of wheel options. The interior was opulent, featuring Mercedes' design aesthetic with ambient lighting and metallic trim, while AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its third generation, drew inspiration from VW's electric lineup, featuring an LED lightbar and a honeycomb design on the front fascia. The SEL R-Line Turbo trim added an illuminated VW logo and LED light bar. The Tiguan's wheelbase remained unchanged, but the vehicle's overhangs were shortened, impacting cargo capacity. Wheel options varied across trims, with the SEL R-Line Turbo receiving the largest at 20 inches. Inside, the Tiguan offered different materials across trims, with the SEL R-Line Turbo showcasing luxurious Varenna leather and walnut trim. A tablet-style touchscreen dominated the dashboard, with a minimalist design and a column-mounted gear selector freeing up console space.

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 new 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 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included 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 G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque with FWD, and 221 pound-feet with AWD. The SEL R-Line Turbo trim received an upgraded engine with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Tiguan's eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery, and larger rear brakes were added to the SEL R-Line Turbo. The SUV offered drive modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Individual, with a focus on comfort. The Tiguan was notably quiet, with excellent pedal feel and impressive interior build quality, though it lacked a hybrid option.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as large as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. 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 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned for its third generation, no longer offered a third row. Its interior space was slightly reduced compared to the previous model, with 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 33.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The second-row legroom increased by 1.5 inches, and visibility was excellent. The Tiguan featured practical storage solutions, including large door pockets and a wireless charging pad with an integrated cooling fan.

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

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, with a 15-inch version in the SEL R-Line Turbo. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a 10.25-inch digital driver display. The Tiguan featured "atmospheres" ambient lighting and a Driving Experience Dial for managing drive modes and audio settings. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon unit in the SEL R-Line Turbo.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for a crash, and new features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured the Intelligent Crash Response System and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The Tiguan's standard ADAS included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. VW's Travel Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capability, with driver-initiated lane-change assist.