2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both offering extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, creating a modern and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both urban and adventurous settings.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, staying true to its SUV heritage with a design that emphasized function over form. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were all designed for off-road adventures. The interior, while functional, showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered a range of trims, each catering to different needs, from the off-road-ready TRD Pro to the more road-oriented Limited. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner provided a sense of nostalgia and reliability, appealing to those who valued a traditional SUV experience.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class featured a sophisticated suspension system, including double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. For those seeking more power, the AMG G63 offered an upgraded engine with 577 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its impressive performance, the G-Class had a fuel economy of 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550 and 13/16 for the G63.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While this engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except when off-roading. The 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission and available four-wheel drive with low range made it capable on trails, especially with features like Crawl Control and a locking differential on the TRD models. The 4Runner's ride was rough on pavement but excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed obstacles with ease. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some competitors but sufficient for most needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured standard heated seats, though ventilated seats required additional packages. The G-Class's design included thoughtful storage solutions and a standard sunroof, enhancing the overall comfort and utility.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner offered 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window, adding convenience. While the interior was not the most spacious, it offered adequate storage for gear and equipment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, including 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 environment. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offering intuitive control. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a JBL premium audio system, catering to those who appreciated simplicity and functionality.

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, and adaptive cruise control. While these systems provided safety advantages, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA but received three stars for rollover testing.