2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a testament to rugged luxury. Its straight-edged body lines and two-box design gave it a retro appeal that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Despite its origins as a military vehicle, the G-Class evolved into a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated environment with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. The G-Class was hand-built in Austria, emphasizing its exclusivity and attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a modern and refined design, characterized by its signature spindle grille and sleek styling details. The redesigned NX was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured a minimalist approach, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The NX 350 F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX's interior was designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with thoughtful touches like padded surfaces for added comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the hefty SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to its adjustable suspension and locking differentials.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The NX 350h hybrid variant offered 239 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX's driving dynamics were enhanced by its lower center of gravity and adaptive variable sports suspension, making it agile and enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in utility, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The spacious cabin offered ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating for five adults. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's exterior spare tire was both a practical feature and a styling cue.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats offered generous space, with amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Luxury trim added ambient lighting with nature-inspired themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. Despite its compact size, the NX was designed to maximize interior space and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, with twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. The COMAND system offered customizable layouts and content, while the Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience. The G-Class included standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though it lacked wireless charging. The Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel allowed for intuitive control of the infotainment system.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 14-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based services. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for natural voice commands, enhancing the user experience. The NX also featured digital key capability and a comprehensive suite of connected services.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came equipped with a range of safety features, including active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, its size and weight posed potential risks to pedestrians and cyclists. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered an extensive array of safety features through the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It included advanced technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting. The NX's comprehensive safety suite aimed to enhance driver confidence and prevent collisions.