carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $127,996–$148,862 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 6.9/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.4/10, while Safety at 7.0/10 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 score reliability at 8.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.8/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $127,996–$148,862, 12 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.4/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a passable suv but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2020 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $127,996 starting price is about 255% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class scores 6.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 6.9 — and starts roughly $13,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $127,996 | |
| 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 | 6.8/10 | $110,542 | Read review → |
| 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.