2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

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. Inside, it featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable ambiance with multicolor ambient lighting. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a compelling value proposition with its upscale interior and modern design. It offered a choice of two new gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to the luxurious Calligraphy. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights and grille, giving each trim a unique character. Inside, the Santa Fe boasted new colors, patterns, and textures, elevating its market position. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, exuded quality with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner, making it feel like a luxury vehicle at a more accessible price point.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading, and had a robust suspension system that provided a smooth ride on various terrains. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class had a turning circle of 44.6 feet and impressive off-road capabilities, though its fuel economy was a modest 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, and a hybrid powertrain with a total output of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe provided a smooth and refined driving experience, with improved structural rigidity and braking systems. It offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the latter focusing on fuel efficiency. The turbocharged engine delivered impressive performance while maintaining a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and 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. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The G-Class featured a spacious front cabin with ample storage and a tall roofline for excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked hands-free access for the tailgate, a feature found in other Mercedes models.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe provided ample comfort with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The Santa Fe's smart hands-free power liftgate revealed 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. Despite lacking a third-row seat, the Santa Fe offered generous passenger and cargo space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured impressive tech with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens allowed for a personalized driving experience, complemented by the Burmester Surround Sound system. The G-Class used the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. It offered a rear-seat entertainment system, multiple USB and 12-volt outlets, and standard WiFi with a subscription. However, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was packed with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the basic 8-inch touchscreen, while the 10.25-inch screen provided wired versions and enhanced voice-recognition technology. The Santa Fe featured Blue Link connected services with a three-year subscription, offering remote engine start, climate control, and seat heating/ventilation activation. Although it lacked a WiFi hotspot, it included Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist for added convenience.

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, its size and weight posed risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance. It offered Safe Exit Assist, rear-occupant alert, and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights, demonstrating excellent crashworthiness and front crash-prevention technology.