DecodedCarsCadillac XT5 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
2026 Cadillac XT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
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.
| 2026 Cadillac XT5 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 24 MPG | 18 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 22 city | 17 city |
| EV range | – | 239 mi |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $3,200 | $1,200 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 10 | – |
| Length | 189.8 in | 181.9 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 76 in |
| Height | 66.1 in | 77.6 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,999 lb | 5,479 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 0 | 0 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 15 | 0 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 1 | 0 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 4,510 | 40,177 |
| Best used year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2017 | – |
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 →