2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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 system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road vehicle, with a high degree of customization available through the G Manufaktur Program.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, with its eight available models, offered a range of options from rugged to luxurious. The King Ranch trim, in particular, showcased a blend of style and functionality with its 4WD, premium technology package, and distinctive King Ranch emblems. The Explorer's design was athletic, with a long hood and a floating roof effect, giving it a modern and sporty appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and a mix of quality materials, though some elements hinted at its more affordable base trim. The Explorer's cabin was comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats, but its third-row seating was best suited for children due to limited space.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was a powerhouse, with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty 5,551-pound curb weight, the G550 was surprisingly quick, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4WD, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 9.5-inch ground clearance and optional locking differentials. The AMG G63 variant offered even more power, with 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid option, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, achieving 27 mpg combined. The top-tier twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, though its ground clearance was less than the G-Class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 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 cabin was roomy, with ample headroom and comfortable seating for three adults in the second row. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged aesthetic.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the King Ranch trim offering heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Explorer's cargo space was 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down. While the Explorer had practical storage features, it lacked some convenient pockets and shelves, emphasizing its sporty design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering a customizable and immersive experience. The COMAND system, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, allowed for intuitive control. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, and standard smartphone integration, though it lacked wireless charging.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, a WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4, leading to some navigation challenges. The Explorer also featured a digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included a range of standard safety features, such as active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its size and weight required responsible driving to avoid potential hazards to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. It came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel's sensitivity to the driver's hands could be improved.