2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with 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 dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation, creating a customizable and immersive environment. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, presented a unique appearance with its quad LED headlights and taillights, shield-shaped grille, and sloping roofline. The GV70 combined the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, car-like elements, offering a balance of ruggedness and elegance. The Sport Prestige model added distinctive styling features, including a model-specific front fascia and 21-inch wheels with a web pattern. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with a minimalistic design and a rotary gear selector that added a touch of sophistication. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and comfortable ride.

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. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 was surprisingly quick, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, offering various driving modes, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G-Class had a robust suspension system, providing a smooth ride on pavement and impressive off-road capabilities. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 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 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for spirited driving. However, the GV70's chassis and steering lacked the sharpness of some competitors, and its ride was firm, especially with the 21-inch wheels. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising but fell short of being the benchmark for luxurious driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered impressive utility with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable 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 front cabin was spacious, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing 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's exterior spare tire was both a styling cue and a practical feature.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with limited room in the center console and door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering support for spirited driving but potentially feeling confining for some. The seats featured heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment, offering customizable layouts and content. The COMAND system provided a user-friendly interface, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system enhanced the audio experience, while standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was not available, and WiFi required a subscription after a one-month trial.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, while the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key system, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services included remote camera activation, driver profiles, and navigation features, free for three years.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring careful understanding. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. While the GV70's Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs, its lane-centering function struggled with curves. Crash-test ratings were not available for the GV70.