2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Toyota Sequoia

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 G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with the AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and optional carbon-fiber trim. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious interior with a sci-fi aesthetic, featuring ambient lighting, metallic trim, and prominent differential lock switches on the dashboard.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia shared a family resemblance with the Tundra pickup, featuring a tall and wide stance with blocky features. Its design included a large black grille, pronounced haunches, and black wheel flares, except for the top Capstone trim, which had body-colored flares. The Sequoia's cabin continued the chunky design, with large dials and a utilitarian feel, especially in the TRD Pro trim. The interior featured synthetic leather upholstery with a camouflage pattern, red contrast stitching, and soft-touch surfaces, though hard plastics were also present. The Sequoia offered a range of trims, with the base SR5 featuring cloth upholstery and higher trims offering real leather and additional luxury features.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with a new all-electric G 580 variant. The G 550 replaced its previous V8 engine with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, 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 featured a mild-hybrid system, nine-speed automatic transmissions, and permanent four-wheel drive with locking differentials. The G 550 accelerated from 0 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 2026 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain called i-Force Max, with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor added 48 hp and 184 lb-ft, drawing power from a 1.87-kWh battery pack. The Sequoia's engine delivered V8-like performance, with a 0–60 mph time of about six seconds. It had a towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds, aided by a haul mode and optional Tow Tech package. The Sequoia's handling was typical of body-on-frame SUVs, with a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The TRD Pro trim featured an off-road-tuned suspension with Fox coil-overs and rear shocks, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall yet short 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 rivals. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger competitors.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia, a full-size SUV, accommodated seven or eight passengers. The first row featured power seat adjustments, with heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. Second-row comfort was enhanced with available captain’s chairs, and the third row offered enough space for short trips. Cargo space was a mixed bag, with 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sequoia's cargo floor was not flat, but a cargo shelf helped level it.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It had 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 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch screen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like satellite radio, Wi-Fi Connect, and Safety Connect. Higher trims offered a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and a JBL audio system. The climate controls and drive mode selector were conveniently placed.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 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 Toyota Sequoia came with the Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It received mixed crash-test results from IIHS, with Good scores in some tests and Marginal in others. The Sequoia's safety systems performed well during testing, but it lacked a hands-free highway driving system.