Audi SQ5 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The short version

The Audi SQ5 is more fuel-efficient: 23 vs 18 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $2,350 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Audi SQ5 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 14).

The two cars

The 2026 Audi SQ5 is a small SUV offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,663 lb (4dr SUV).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 182 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,479 lb (550 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2023 SQ5 and the 2024 G-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 SQ5.