2019 Honda Civic vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 Honda Civic, while not as stylish as the 2019 Mazda3, still offered a unique upscale style with its gloss-black upper grille, revised lower bumper, and larger 18-inch wheels. Its silhouette was graceful, reminiscent of an Audi A7, with a long hood balancing a sizable cabin and short tail. The Touring-trim featured chrome door handles and LED headlights that resembled tiny crystals, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The new Sport trim introduced a center-mounted exhaust and exterior elements from the performance-oriented Si trim, providing a sporty look at a lower cost. The Civic Hatchback, with its tall and aggressive rear end, and the Coupe model, offered distinct alternatives, while the Civic Type R was a race car in hatchback form. The interior maintained a high-tech yet simplified theme, with a central LCD screen and minimal buttons, ensuring a high-quality fit and finish despite some hard plastic surfaces in the rear.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, featured a smooth, rounded body reminiscent of earlier generations. Its streamlined design, while perhaps too fluid, was recognizable within the Mercedes family, resembling the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan's hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille highlighted Mercedes tradition, while most models sported a large emblem in the center. LED lighting was delicate, with twin running lamps and a grainy film effect on the tail. The cabriolet's fluid form was complemented by a contrasting soft top, revealing a luxurious interior with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood. The high-res digital screens, circular air vents, and ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the E-Class's sophisticated appeal.

The 2019 Honda Civic offered a range of engines, starting with the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque in the LX and Sport sedans and coupes. The EX and higher trims, including the Touring, featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 with 174 hp and 162 lb-ft, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hatchback exclusively used the turbo engine, delivering 180 hp in the Hatchback Sport. The Si and Type R models provided more power, with the Si's 1.5-liter engine producing 205 hp and 192 lb-ft, and the Type R's 2.0-liter engine delivering 306 hp and 295 lb-ft. All models were front-wheel drive, with manual transmissions available on select trims. The Civic's engines were praised for their smoothness and refinement, with the turbo engine offering better mid-range acceleration. The CVT impressed with its ability to simulate gear ratios without straining the engine. The Civic's handling, steering feel, and suspension were designed for sporty driving, providing a balance between performance and comfort.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the E350, which replaced the E300 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered improved response and reduced noise. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, provided 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, offering effortless performance with its twin-turbo setup. The AMG models, including the E53 and E63 S, delivered higher performance, with the E53's hybrid setup producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, and the E63 S's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The E-Class offered all-wheel drive on most models, with performance-tuned AWD on AMG models. Fuel economy varied, with the E63 S showing 16/23 mpg. The E-Class's performance was characterized by its light steering, supple suspension, and precision handling, with AMG models providing a more aggressive driving experience.

The 2019 Honda Civic's interior featured a touchscreen with a volume knob and shortcut buttons, improving usability compared to previous models. The three-spoke steering wheel controlled the central display, providing quick access to various functions. The interior design included analog gauges flanking a central screen, with a conventional PRNDL shifter. The rear seat offered surprising roominess, with optional heated outboard seats and passable head- and legroom for long trips. Cargo space was significant, with the sedan offering 15.1 cubic feet (14.7 in Touring), the coupe 11.9 to 12.1 cubic feet, and the hatchback up to 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console provided ample storage, and visibility was good in all directions, especially in the sedan.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continued with the complex COMAND infotainment system, which was not touchscreen-based, making it challenging to use while driving. The system required familiarity with Mercedes models to navigate effectively. Despite this, the E-Class offered functional features like seat and climate controls on the door panels and ample space in all dimensions. The coupe's rear seat was usable, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The digital dash, when set up properly, provided clear gauges and high-resolution displays. The E-Class's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with thoughtful features like a net for water bottles and concealed cupholders.

The 2019 Honda Civic's infotainment system, while good in 2016, was outclassed by newer Honda models. The system was slower and less organized, but the Garmin-based navigation stood out with better graphics and accurate voice input. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided connectivity, and the 450-watt, 10-speaker stereo on the Touring trim improved sound quality. Honda's LaneWatch, available on certain trims, offered a live feed of the blind spot, enhancing safety.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane change assist and obstacle avoidance. The V2X system communicated with nearby Mercedes models about road conditions. The dash could be reconfigured with various display options, and standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo offered surround-sound modes, and the Energizing Comfort Package adjusted climate and lighting for mood enhancement. AMG models included a Track Pace app for track guidance. The E-Class's tech was a mix of useful features and entertaining novelties.

The 2019 Honda Civic came with Honda Sensing as standard on all trims except the Si and Type R, offering forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The IIHS rated earlier Civic models with top Good ratings in crash tests and Superior for crash-prevention features. The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Civic five stars in most categories, with a four-star rating for the coupe's passenger-side frontal crash.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet were not tested but were considered equally safe. Mercedes innovations included Pre-Safe Sound, side collision protection, and crosswind countermeasures. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.