Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?

Jeep Compass

$14,990 - $33,850

2022 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2022 Jeep Compass

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

By Tim Nicholson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

434 km

Energy consumption

23.1 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

116.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Excellent multimedia system
New semi-premium interior
Spacious cabin

Performance (on- and off-road)
G-Turns!
Quality

Dislikes

Overall drive experience
Badly executed driver assist systems
Poor value for money

Firm ride
No spare tyre on Edition One
Tailgate door opens right-to-left

2022 Jeep Compass Summary

The Jeep Compass is something of a unicorn among the long list of small SUVs sold in Australia. It is now the only model in either the light or small-SUV category that is available with a diesel engine.

That diesel is found under the bonnet of just one variant – the rugged Trailhawk which is also the flagship of the range.

Aside from Suzuki’s adorable Jimny light SUV, the Compass Trailhawk is the only small SUV with some off-road ability.

After going on sale in Australia in late 2017, the second-generation Compass was overhauled as part of a mid-life update in 2021. Aside from subtle styling tweaks, the biggest change was a new multimedia system.

Has Jeep done enough to lift the Compass from an also-ran to a model that buyers should consider, or was the update too little, too late?

View full pricing & specs

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Summary

Imagine jumping in the time machine, zapping back to the late 1970s and bringing the team that produced the original Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into 2025 and showing them where their creation has landed close to half a century later.

They’d be amazed a vehicle looking so much like their military-focused, first-generation model even existed! And once they’d absorbed that incredible fact they’d be stunned to see what lurks under its familiar bodywork.

Because this is the most recent iteration of what’s now referred to as the G-Glass, the pure-electric G580 featuring four individually controlled electric motors - one at each wheel - collectively producing enough energy to power a small town.

Stay with us as we explore this take-no-prisoners EV 4WD that has multiple show-stopping, high-tech party tricks lurking up its sleeve.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2022 Jeep Compass 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Verdict

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a curious beast. On the one hand, it looks pretty cool, and it has a well-executed new interior, featuring one of the best multimedia set-ups in the business. It’s spacious and has a long list of standard comfort and safety gear.

Sadly, that’s where the positives end.

It is way too expensive for what you get, especially when you consider the quality of some of its rivals from mainstream and premium brands.

The driver assist features are badly in need of recalibration and the overall drive experience is a letdown.

If you really want a diesel-powered small SUV, perhaps look at one of the much better diesel models at the smaller end of the medium-SUV segment.

Verdict

As per the 1979 original, the current G-Class is produced by Magna Steyr in Arnie’s home town of Graz in Austria. And many fundamental things haven’t changed since then. But clearly this EV monster’s exotic electric powertrain is a huge departure.

It retains impressive off-road ability and straight-line speed. But will it hit the mark with top-end luxury 4WDers? Short story, this thing is wild, and it will be irresistible for a likely narrow band of tech-focused ‘must have the latest and greatest’ buyers. Nothing like impressing friends and family with a tank turn.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Jeep Compass vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?