2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with 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 system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in various trims including the sporty F Sport, presented a modern and aggressive design. Its sharp character lines and angular features gave it a distinctive look among midsize luxury crossovers. The RX's exterior was both eye-catching and restrained, with a palette of seven paint options, including the striking Grecian Water for F Sport models. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with nearly a dozen color combinations, though the F Sport trim added a sporty touch with specific badging and Scored Aluminum accents. Despite its stylish appearance, the RX's interior felt slightly dated, with an abundance of buttons and a center stack that hadn't seen a redesign in years. Comfort was a mixed bag, with some seats lacking cushioning and lumbar support, but the RX excelled in providing a quiet and serene driving experience.

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 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with features like adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a high ground clearance. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with its V8 engine tuned to 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Despite its size and weight, the G-Class offered a surprisingly nimble and capable driving experience, though its fuel economy was less than stellar.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. While the RX offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and various drive modes, its performance was underwhelming. The F Sport trim, despite its sporty designation, lacked the expected dynamism, with acceleration and engine sound failing to impress. The RX's handling was more about comfort than sportiness, with a compliant ride that absorbed road imperfections well. Fuel efficiency was a strong point for the RX, especially the hybrid model, which achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and functional interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The G550's cabin was roomy, with ample headroom and legroom, and featured numerous storage options. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's body-on-frame construction allowed for a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing utility alongside luxury.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, however, offered limited space for passengers and cargo. The RX's cargo capacity varied, with 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row in standard models and up to 58.48 cubic feet with all seats down in L models. The RX featured thoughtful interior touches like a smartphone slot and adjustable cup holders, though the rear seats didn't fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens, combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system, created an immersive experience. The G-Class featured the latest COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. While the G-Class offered standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked wireless charging.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging. The RX's infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and service scheduling.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its active lane-keeping assist system could be abrupt and distracting. The G-Class had not been rated by major safety organizations like the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights, though it missed the top-tier "plus" designation. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.