Genesis GV70 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Genesis GV70 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Genesis GV70 stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Genesis Audio audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Genesis GV70 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers nappa leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Genesis GV70 and 3-zone in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Drivetrain

The Genesis GV70 uses a Petrol producing 224kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class responds with a Diesel making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 224kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Genesis GV70 measures 4,715mm long on a 2,875mm wheelbase, 110mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,825mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 542L in the Genesis GV70 and 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Genesis GV70 a 62L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,200kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Genesis GV70's turning circle is 1.5 m tighter, 11.5 m against 13.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Genesis GV70 costs about $2,936 a year (10.3 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class about $2,480 a year (8.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $456 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Genesis GV70) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Genesis GV70), no data (Mercedes-Benz G-Class).

Where each one leads

The Genesis GV70: the lower starting price ($80,300 against $214,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (542L against 480L).

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: more power (270kW against 224kW), the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,200kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,480 a year against $2,936).

The Verdict

Genesis GV70 scores higher, 70 vs 65

The Genesis GV70 scores 70 to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Genesis GV70 ahead by 23 points), value (Genesis GV70 ahead by 20 points), fuel economy (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class costs about $456 less (8.7 L/100km against 10.3 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 542L in the Genesis GV70, 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Common questions