Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Rivian R1S: Specs Compared
Also searched as Rivian R1S vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 62 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a 23 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Rivian R1S leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 34 configurations
2022–2027
Rivian R1S
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 94 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz G-Class | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 62 mpg | 85 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 68 mpg | 94 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 56 mpg | 77 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,200 | $900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 490 g/mi | Not available |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, 4.0, 6.0 | Not available |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic (A2), Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (A1) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Electricity | Electricity |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2022–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 34 | 94 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Rivian R1S dimensions and size
The Rivian R1S is 18.9 inches longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class on a wheelbase 7.5 inches longer, and 1,589.5 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz G-Class (2026) | Rivian R1S (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 181.9 in | 200.8 in | 18.9 in |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 76 in | 79.1 in | 3.1 in |
| Height | 77.6 in | 77.2 in | 0.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 121.3 in | 7.5 in |
| Curb weight | 5,478 lbs | 7,068 lbs | 1,590 lbs |
Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Rivian R1S: what the numbers mean
Running cost over five years: at the EPA's 15,000-mile-a-year assumption the Rivian R1S burns about $900 of fuel annually against $1,200 for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That $300 yearly gap compounds to roughly $1,500 over five years and $2,400 over eight — often more than the price difference between two trims of the same vehicle, and the single largest running-cost line item separating these two.
City and highway economy: the Rivian R1S leads in both cycles — 94 mpg city and 77 mpg highway against 68 and 56 mpg — so its fuel-efficiency advantage holds whether you commute in traffic or cover long highway miles.
Powertrain choice: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is recorded with 4 distinct engine configurations (SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, 4.0), the Rivian R1S with no. Across 34 recorded Mercedes-Benz G-Class configurations and 94 for the Rivian R1S, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.
Drivetrain and class: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is offered with 4-Wheel Drive, the Rivian R1S with 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.
G-Class vs R1S: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or the Rivian R1S?
The Rivian R1S is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 85 mpg combined versus 62 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a 23 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Rivian R1S runs about $900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,200 for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class — a difference of roughly $300 per year.
What engines do the G-Class and R1S offer?
Mercedes-Benz G-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, 4.0, 6.0. Rivian R1S: no engine data on record.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Rivian R1S as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More G-Class comparisons
More R1S comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-g-class-vs-rivian-r1s