2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new elements like fresh sheet metal, a new chassis, and additional color options such as Sun Blaze and Offshore Blue. The Wilderness trim offered an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. While the wheelbase and overall length remained similar to the previous model, the Crosstrek featured a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base trim came with 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The new design included a wing bar that gave the front fascia a smiling appearance, and black plastic cladding with air inlets and outlets improved aerodynamics. The split taillight design from the second generation continued, enhancing trunk access. The Wilderness trim added unique exterior elements like a hexagonal grille and increased ground clearance to 9.3 inches, along with a ladder-style roof rack.

Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness featured StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents, with all-weather floor mats and an LED light in the cargo area. Interior dimensions remained largely unchanged, with slightly reduced cargo volume. A new 11.6-inch touchscreen display was a standout feature, aligning the Crosstrek's interior with the larger Subaru Outback. The Crosstrek's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering easy-to-clean materials and thoughtful storage solutions, such as cupholders that accommodated Nalgene water bottles.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class maintained its iconic boxy design, tracing its roots back to the original 1979 G-Wagen. Subtle styling updates included a new grille and bumpers, while traditional features like the flat hood and prominent corner lights remained unchanged. The G-Class had robust doors and latches, adding to its character. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 model. Wheel options ranged from 18 to 22 inches, with the AMG G 63 offering carbon-fiber exterior trim. The Manufaktur program allowed for extensive customization of exterior paint and interior trim.

Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious cabin with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The dashboard prominently displayed switches for the three differential locks, while AMG models featured sportier steering wheels. The G-Class offered a commanding view of the road, with thin roof pillars and short overhangs enhancing visibility. Despite its compact size compared to other luxury SUVs, the G-Class provided ample headroom but limited legroom. Cargo space was modest, with a side-hinged tailgate for easy access. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, making it a capable luxury SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a smaller 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with paddle shifters available on higher trims. The Crosstrek's performance was adequate but not particularly quick, with the CVT providing a pleasant driving experience. The Wilderness trim featured a shorter final-drive ratio, enhancing off-road capability and towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Crosstrek's X-Mode traction management system improved off-road performance, with different modes for various terrains. Fuel economy was competitive for a subcompact crossover, with the 2.0-liter engine achieving 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the 2.5-liter engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the G 550 and AMG G 63 models, with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet 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 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 featured an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. The G-Class provided a comfortable ride, with low wind and tire noise at highway speeds.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The Crosstrek provided 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured durable materials and thoughtful storage solutions, including cupholders designed for Nalgene water bottles. The Wilderness trim added adventure-oriented features like Nalgene cupholders in the trunk and all-weather floor mats.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 22.6 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place. The side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading and unloading, though it could be challenging when street parked. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its compact size, the G-Class provided a commanding view of the road and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, offering crisp graphics and retaining physical controls for essential functions. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. While the technology was impressive, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigating through menus for some features. In states with Right to Repair laws, certain features were removed, such as remote start via the Subaru Starlink app.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The G-Class included off-road features like a compass and inclinometer, as well as a "Transparent Hood" feature for improved visibility. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system available.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a strong safety record, with previous models receiving a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The 2024 model included Subaru's EyeSight safety system, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system employed a wider-angle lens for improved road visibility and included automatic emergency steering on models with blind-spot monitoring.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centering, and an emergency-stop feature.