2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $110,542–$146,677 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's reliability at 8.9/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.4/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.1/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $110,542–$146,677, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.9/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but it needs the right buyer. Its safety scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $110,542 starting price is about 206% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the G-Class model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.1/10 | $149,813 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $145,450 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $141,086 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $136,723 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.0/10 | $132,359 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.9/10 | $127,996 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $123,632 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.8/10 | $119,269 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $114,905 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $110,542 | |
| 2015 | 6.6/10 | $106,178 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.