2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- G500 4dr SUV 4WD, G55 Amg 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 12 combined · 11 city / 15 hwy
- Length
- 174.8–175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 5,269–5,388 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 12 MPG combined, 32% below the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a SUV - offered with a 5.4L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,269 lb (G500 4dr SUV 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 12 MPG combined (11 city / 15 highway), 32% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 17.7 MPG, for an estimated $6,850 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2009
- Engine dropped: 5.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 G-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G500 4dr SUV 4WD | 174.8 in | 71.3 in | 78 in | 112.2 in | 60.6 / 59.8 in | 5,269 lb | 54/46 |
| G55 Amg 4dr SUV 4WD | 175.2 in | 71.3 in | 78 in | 112.2 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 5,388 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 / 15 / 12 | -32% | $6,850 | 741 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (this car) | 12 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 BMW X3 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Audi Q5 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Volvo XC60 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Land Rover LR2 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other G-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 G-Class | 15 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 G-Class | 16 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 G-Class | 18 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 G-Class | 14 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 G-Class | 14 | 181.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 G-Class | 13 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →