2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a symbol of luxury and rugged capability. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had evolved into a status symbol for the elite. The G-Class offered a unique blend of retro styling with modern luxury, featuring a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class boasted a sophisticated interior with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more contemporary and practical design. It featured a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle changes to the rear fascia, giving it a sleeker appearance. The Equinox maintained a car-based crossover look, avoiding the rugged styling of some competitors. Inside, the dashboard was creatively designed with a touchscreen and large air vents, offering a coherent and functional layout. The Equinox provided decent materials and fit and finish for its price range, with options for cloth or perforated leather upholstery. The new RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, giving it a touch of personality, though the interior remained subdued.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which featured 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 sprint 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 boasted impressive off-road capabilities with its high ground clearance and locking differentials. 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. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, offered a single powertrain option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While it had more torque than some rivals, it lacked horsepower, making it less responsive at higher speeds. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. It excelled in city driving with its torque available at low rpm, but the engine felt coarse at higher speeds. The Equinox was not designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of some competitors, but it provided a comfortable ride on various road surfaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet 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 roomy, 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 seats, were only available in expensive packages, and the G-Class lacked hands-free access for the tailgate.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox provided seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front-seat legroom was slightly lacking, and the absence of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. The climate control buttons were prominently placed, and the cargo space was 29.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. However, it lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins found in some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured impressive tech with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to coordinate with ambient lighting for an immersive experience. The COMAND system, controlled via unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered advanced functionality. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, rear-seat entertainment, and multiple USB and 12-volt outlets. Standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. The MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The Equinox provided multiple USB ports and power outlets, though the center-console slot for phones was too small. While tech-savvy buyers might desire more features, the Equinox's infotainment system covered the basics effectively.

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, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring careful engagement. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it was rated "Marginal" in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.