2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, creating a customizable and immersive atmosphere. 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 Ford Expedition underwent several updates, including exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the Expedition showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear received revised taillights and a new bumper. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large touchscreen display and digital instrumentation. The Expedition's spacious cabin and impressive technology made it a comfortable choice for families and road trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G550 was a powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 was surprisingly quick, reaching 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials. The more powerful AMG G63 variant offered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Expedition's powertrain was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the model and equipment. While the Expedition's fuel economy was better than the G-Class, it still consumed fuel quickly, with an observed 16.2 mpg during testing. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally smooth, but the sport-tuned suspension of the Stealth Edition Package resulted in a harsher ride on uneven pavement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a luxurious yet practical interior. It provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its distinctive styling.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, while the third-row seat offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity. The Expedition's interior was designed for convenience, with thoughtful storage solutions and easy access to the third row.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to coordinate colors with ambient lighting for a personalized experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive control. The Burmester Surround Sound system provided a premium audio experience. While the G-Class offered WiFi and smartphone integration, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect for Wi-Fi access. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Expedition's technology was sophisticated but had some quirks, such as occasional issues with Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. The active lane-keeping assist system could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered comprehensive safety features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and intersection assist. The King Ranch and Platinum trims featured a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also introduced Road Edge Detection and offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. While the adaptive cruise control was smooth, the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic.