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Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 2Mercedes-Benz G-Class wins 3 of 5 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $650 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Tesla Model Y is the bigger car, about 7 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 43).

The two cars

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).

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

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

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
EV, Hybrid
Fuel
EV
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
4-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

18 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
17 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
239 mi
EV range
357 mi
$1,200
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

–
Seats (most)
5
181.9 in
Length
188.6 in
76 in
Width
78 in
77.6 in
Height
63.8 in
5,479 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
8
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
423

Interest

40,177
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
2023

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if…

  • You want something easier to park (7 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want more room (7 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

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.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →