2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, was a striking blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its boxy, retro exterior design, reminiscent of its military origins, set it apart from other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. 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 screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, creating a modern and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen as a status symbol among the elite.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Its assertive profile and cleverly engineered sliding doors gave it a modern and practical appearance. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and flexible cargo space. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches, making access to the third row easy. With a focus on practicality, the Sienna provided a spacious and functional environment for families, complete with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate for added convenience.

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 boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a robust body-on-frame construction. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with its engine tuned to 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered a surprisingly nimble driving experience, though its fuel economy was a modest 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, focused on efficiency with its hybrid powertrain. It combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter adding an electric motor for the rear wheels. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and contributed to its impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/36 mpg highway/35 mpg combined for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was enhanced by the Toyota Next Generation Architecture platform, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior. It provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G-Class 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 comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a distinctive exterior spare tire mount on the tailgate.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, numerous storage compartments, and cupholders. The third-row bench could be easily stored into the floor, and the second-row seats provided flexibility for loading cargo or passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, highlighted by twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to coordinate colors with ambient lighting for a personalized experience. The G-Class came with a Burmester Surround Sound system, COMAND infotainment system, and unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. It offered standard connectivity features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a head-up display on Platinum models, providing essential driving information without diverting attention from the road.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight required responsible driving to avoid potential hazards to pedestrians and other vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors for child seats, and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety profile.