2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Originally designed as a military transport, it evolved into a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. The G-Class offered two models in the U.S. market: the G550 and the AMG G63, both allowing extensive customization 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 luxurious atmosphere enhanced by multicolor ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Honda Pilot, offering two rows of seats instead of three. Its design closely mirrored that of the Pilot, both inside and out, with a spacious interior and high-quality materials. The Passport's trim levels ranged from Sport to Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, power moonroof, and advanced audio systems. Despite sharing some design quirks with the Pilot, like the button shifter, the Passport provided a comfortable and practical interior, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

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 was equipped with dynamic driving programs, including a "G-mode" for off-roading, and featured a robust suspension system that provided a smooth ride on various terrains. The AMG 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.

The 2021 Honda Passport, on the other hand, came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Passport's ride was designed for comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for different terrains. While not intended for extreme off-roading, the Passport could tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with AWD, making it a capable vehicle for light adventures and daily commutes.

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. The G550 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 numerous storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also featured a spare tire mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged aesthetic.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering up to 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with them in use. It also included an under-floor storage tray for additional space. The Passport's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage options. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and the higher trims featured a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

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 experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offering more functionality than traditional controls. While it included standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the infotainment system's graphics and menu layout were considered outdated and confusing. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated, even though the overall audio interface lacked a tuning dial.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included numerous safety features, such as a rearview camera, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, its active lane-keeping assist was noted for being abrupt, potentially causing unintended consequences. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations like the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use, and an "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention technology.