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Cadillac XT5 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

2026 Cadillac XT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Cadillac XT5

2026 Cadillac XT5

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD
VS1 – 3Mercedes-Benz G-Class wins 3 of 4 categories
Mercedes-Benz G-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Cadillac XT5 is more fuel-efficient: 24 vs 18 MPG combined in its best version.

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

The Cadillac XT5 is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 15).

The two cars

The 2026 Cadillac XT5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 190 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

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 2021 XT5 and the 2024 G-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 XT5.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
EV, Hybrid
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
4-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

24 MPG
Best combined MPG
18 MPG
22 city
City / highway MPG (best)
17 city
–
EV range
239 mi
$3,200
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$1,200

Performance & space

189.8 in
Length
181.9 in
74.8 in
Width
76 in
66.1 in
Height
77.6 in
3,999 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,479 lb

Safety & reliability

10
Driver-assist features standard
–
0
Recalls (2026)
0
15
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

4,510
Wikipedia views, 30 days
40,177

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2024
2017
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Cadillac XT5 if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (24 vs 18 MPG)
  • You want more room (8 in longer)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if…

  • You want an EV with more range (239 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 15 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Cadillac XT5

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 21% below the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG.

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Cadillac XT5 specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →