2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a luxurious yet rugged SUV that appealed to both off-road enthusiasts and those seeking a status symbol. With its straight-edged, retro exterior, the G-Class stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Inside, it offered a sophisticated cabin with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient atmosphere. Despite its military origins, the G-Class became a favorite among celebrities, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained a more understated appearance, closely resembling its gas-only counterparts with subtle "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The interior featured unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with paddles on the steering wheel for managing regenerative braking. The CR-V Hybrid was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive. The Touring trim, in particular, offered premium features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging, making it a comfortable and practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model boasting a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This SUV could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, impressive for its 5,551-pound curb weight. The G-Class featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, permanent four-wheel drive, and Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G63 variant took performance to another level with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 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 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, utilized a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line and provided a smooth driving experience, although it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg combined, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing. Despite this, it offered a balanced ride with a slightly better weight distribution than its gas-only counterpart.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was not only luxurious but also practical, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured standard heated seats. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked hands-free access for the tailgate, a feature found in lower-tier Mercedes models.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering remarkable rear seat room with cross-your-legs comfort. The front seats were supportive, with the driver's seat providing 12-way power adjustment. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Despite this, it remained practical for families, with ample storage and a flat floor for rear passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured impressive technology, with 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. The G-Class also included a Burmester Surround Sound system, COMAND infotainment system, and unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. However, it lacked wireless device charging, a feature available in many modern vehicles.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, while not outdated in appearance, lagged in performance. It featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was limited, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for better interaction. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, but the wireless smartphone charger seemed like an afterthought, taking up space on the center console.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, and more. However, its size and weight posed potential risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.