You’re twice as likely to die in Mercedes-Benz G-Class than the average SUV
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class migrated from a utilitarian off-roader to a luxury SUV plaything of the wealthy. However, even with significant mass and a ladder frame construction, the G-Class made the list of the deadliest SUVs in the country. Still, the G-Class is far from the deadliest of hiked-up, high-riding SUVs.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a fatal accident rate twice that of the segment average– but it’s not alone
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2019. However, even with a previous five-star rating, the G-Class made the list of the deadliest SUVs in the country.
According to a recent study by iSeeCars, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class’ fatal accident rate takes the No. 13 spot among the deadliest SUVs in America. The boxy Mercedes SUV has a fatal accident rate of 4.3, over twice as much as the segment average of 2.2.
| Deadliest SUV make and model | Fatal Accident Rate (SUVs per billion miles) | Segment Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Venue | 13.9 | 1 |
| Tesla Model Y | 10.6 | 3 |
| Ford Bronco | 6.6 | 7 |
| Hyundai Kona | 5.1 | 10 |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 4.3 | 13 |
| Segment Average | 2.2 |
However, the deadliest SUV models on the market have much higher fatality rates than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. For instance, the Hyundai Venue takes the No. 1 spot, with a fatal accident rate of 13.9. The compact Hyundai SUV isn’t just the most dangerous SUV; it’s the deadliest vehicle in America.
Still, most SUVs are better off in crashes than smaller, lighter cars. “The popularity of SUVs has them dominating today’s roadways,” said iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “That’s fine if you’re in an SUV, but if you’re in a smaller or lower vehicle you’re likely at a disadvantage if you tangle with one. However, as this list confirms, plenty of SUVs have a higher-than-average fatal accident rate, so don’t think of them as a guaranteed fix for vehicle safety.” Unfortunately for compact vehicles, an SUV or pickup truck can be something of a wrecking ball.
