2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Honda Passport

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite continuous updates, the G-Class maintained its distinctive features, such as a flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust doors that clacked loudly when locked or unlocked. For 2025, Mercedes introduced subtle styling updates, including a new grille and bumpers, while keeping traditional design elements intact. Functional changes included repositioning the rearview camera and adding new A-pillar trim and a rear spoiler to reduce noise. The interior was opulent, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

The 2026 Honda Passport was a standout with its rugged SUV design, featuring a long wheelbase and blocky dimensions. The new model had a flat hood and a blunt nose, with amber running lights framing the grille and a standard hood scoop. Its profile, inspired by a backpack, included a blacked-out D-pillar and tinted rear-quarter window. Honda added practical features like rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel. The rear showcased a two-tone tailgate and a protective trailer hitch. Inside, the Passport offered three trim levels with a focus on practicality, featuring synthetic leather and cloth upholstery in TrailSport models and genuine leather in TrailSport Elite.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of gasoline and electric models, with the G 550 featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. 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 nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. 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 featured a new AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Honda Passport, particularly in TrailSport trims, aimed to excel both on and off-road. It featured improved bumpers for better approach and departure angles, skid plates, and standard 18-inch wheels for enhanced ride comfort and traction. The Passport's i-VTM4 AWD system offered seven drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. It retained a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport impressed in off-road environments, with excellent steering and throttle response. Despite sticking with a V6 engine, it focused on reducing emissions, achieving an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 25 highway in RTL trim.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 22.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, slightly less than some competitors. Despite its size, it provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 44 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 83.8 cubic feet with seats folded, making it a leader in its segment. It featured a full-size spare tire and best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The Passport catered to family road trips with ample storage cubbies and cup holders. TrailSport trims included a panoramic moonroof, while the TrailSport Elite added ventilated front seats. Honda offered post-production option packages, including an Adventure Package with a removable rear cargo shelf.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Notable MBUX features included augmented reality navigation and voice recognition. A Burmester 3D surround sound system was standard, with options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2026 Honda Passport boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. It also supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Passport's touchscreen was user-friendly, and additional tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-C charging ports, and a digital driver information display. The TrailSport Elite trim added a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system.

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

The 2026 Honda Passport came with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The Passport had eight standard airbags. Previous models had mixed crash test results, and updated ratings were awaited for the 2026 model.