2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a testament to rugged luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had evolved into a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a unique blend of retro styling with modern luxury, featuring a hand-built construction in 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 ambiance with multicolor ambient lighting. 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 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its appeal with a more sophisticated look. The Kona's exterior featured revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty character lines, complemented by new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were separated to create a wider, more spacious feel. The addition of ambient lighting and a rear USB port added a touch of sophistication and convenience. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance enhancements, making the Kona look more athletic and racy. The Kona N, in particular, featured wide fenders, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a sporty interior with N sport bucket seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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. 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 boasted a robust suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. 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. Despite its size, the G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, paired with a CVT. For those seeking more excitement, the N Line and Limited trims offered a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N, the most powerful variant, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N featured performance enhancements like launch control, a variable exhaust system, and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Kona's lightweight design and AWD system provided agile handling and stability, making it a pleasure to drive in various settings.

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 flat. The G550 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 front seats, were only available in expensive packages.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with limited headroom and legroom due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona was not recommended for towing, limiting its utility for larger cargo needs.

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 create a personalized ambiance. The G550's Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. The COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, offered intuitive control. The G-Class included standard features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though wireless charging was absent.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The N Line and above trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kona also featured Hyundai Blue Link, providing connected services like remote engine start and stolen-vehicle recovery. Wireless device charging was standard on the N Line and above, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, active lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness. The vehicle's size and weight provided safety advantages in some crashes but also posed risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing the Kona from achieving Top Safety Pick status.