2019 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not typically celebrated for its aesthetics, with its design often seen as more functional than fashionable. The fourth-generation model, introduced in 2016, continued to push the boundaries of its distinctive look, which some argued might have hindered its appeal. Despite its unconventional exterior, the Prius offered a practical solution for those seeking an efficient daily driver. The interior mirrored the exterior's unique style, with centralized controls and a digital instrumentation strip beneath the windshield. While the design was unconventional, it functioned well, though the glossy black trim was prone to attracting dust.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded a more classic and refined elegance, reminiscent of its predecessors. Its smooth, rounded body was a nod to the brand's tradition, with a design that was both conservative and sophisticated. Available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, the E-Class catered to a wide range of preferences. The interior was a blend of luxury and technology, featuring high-resolution digital screens, multi-tone leathers, and ambient lighting. The E-Class was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to creating a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, enhancing traction at low speeds. While the AWD-e system slightly reduced fuel efficiency, the Prius still achieved impressive mileage, with a standard front-drive model getting 52 mpg combined. The Prius was built on Toyota's global architecture, offering a pleasant driving experience with decent handling and a comfortable ride. The CVT transmission, while unconventional, was effective, and the Prius excelled in urban environments with its quiet operation and efficient fuel consumption.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower. The E450 featured a 3.0-liter V6 with 362 horsepower, providing a more robust performance. For those seeking even more power, the AMG models delivered exceptional performance, with the E53 offering 429 horsepower and the E63 S boasting 603 horsepower. The E-Class was equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and its driving dynamics were characterized by smooth handling and a comfortable ride. The E-Class also offered various driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preferences.

The 2019 Toyota Prius provided a surprisingly spacious interior, comfortably seating four adults. The driver's seat offered manual height adjustment, while the front passenger seat sat high off the floor. Rear passengers enjoyed decent legroom, though the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Prius's hatchback design allowed for ample cargo space, with up to 65.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a more complex infotainment system, with a non-touchscreen interface that could be cumbersome to navigate. Despite this, the E-Class offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The coupe and cabriolet models provided additional rear seat space, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The E-Class's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with thoughtful features like seat climate controls and ample storage options.

The 2019 Toyota Prius's technology offerings were somewhat limited, with the most advanced infotainment system reserved for the Limited trim. The standard setup included a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a CD player. While the system was functional, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and adaptive headlights, but overall, the Prius's tech was underwhelming.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was packed with advanced technology. The semi-automated driving system offered a range of features, including lane-changing assistance and obstacle detection. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with other Mercedes vehicles, and the infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo and multi-contour seats added to the luxurious experience, while the Energizing Comfort Package provided a unique sensory experience.

The 2019 Toyota Prius came with standard Toyota Safety Sense, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though some areas were rated slightly lower.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in safety, with the sedan and wagon receiving a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.