2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, introducing subtle yet impactful changes. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new “Pluton Blue” paint, adding a sharp aesthetic touch. Inside, the Seltos offered two new interior colors, “Gentle Brown” and “Midnight Green,” though the test model featured the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its heritage dating back to the 1979 “Geländewagen.” While the 2025 model featured subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the traditional flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged, preserving its distinctive character. Functional updates included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 featuring standard 20-inch wheels and optional 22-inch wheels. The interior maintained a luxurious feel with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, while AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs. It offered a tall passenger compartment with plenty of headroom but limited legroom. The G-Class had a side-hinged tailgate and a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate settings. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous display across the dashboard. The G-Class included off-road menus, augmented reality navigation, and excellent voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options for a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The G-Class also featured Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system and new functions like route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering.