2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reminiscent of its predecessors, boasted a rounded, smooth body that aligned with the brand's traditional aesthetic. Despite its streamlined design, which some felt could use a few more edges, it maintained a familial resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. Available in various body styles, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, the E-Class catered to a conservative clientele. The sedan, with its hood ornament and chrome grille, epitomized Mercedes tradition, while the sport grille with a prominent emblem was more common. The LED lighting, from the twin running lamps to the tail's grainy film effect, added a delicate touch. The cabriolet, with its contrasting soft top, highlighted the car's fluid form, revealing a luxurious interior with multi-tone leathers and polished wood. The expansive digital screens, circular air vents, and ambient lighting in 64 colors created a serene environment, even in the base model with leatherette seats.

The 2020 Honda Civic, a standout in Honda's lineup, offered a sharp design across its sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. The sedan featured a sleek roofline akin to the coupe, with body panel creases and wide headlights enhancing its low, wide stance. The hatchback's design was slightly quirky, but overall, the Civic's exterior was visually appealing without appearing cheap. The 2019 updates to grilles, bumpers, and wheels carried over to 2020, with the Civic Si sedan and coupe receiving additional enhancements like matte-black wheels and LED fog lights. The interior, with its simple design and high-quality materials, was functional and pleasing. The 2020 updates included new dash accents and revised sport seats for the Si, adding to the Civic's appeal.

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 and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite its improvements, the E350's performance was somewhat underwhelming, especially at higher speeds. The E450, with its 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, provided a more balanced and effortless driving experience. For those seeking more power, the AMG E53 and AMG E63 S models offered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively, with advanced performance features like adaptive dampers and a drift mode. Fuel economy varied across the lineup, with estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2020 Honda Civic featured four engines and two transmissions, all front-wheel drive. The base models had a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 hp, while higher trims offered a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with up to 180 hp. The Civic Si and Type R models provided even more power, with 205 hp and 306 hp, respectively. The Civic's powertrains were praised for their smoothness and responsiveness, with the manual transmission offering a particularly engaging driving experience. The Si's adaptive dampers and precise steering made it a joy to drive, while the Type R delivered thrilling performance. Fuel economy was impressive, with most models achieving at least 30 mpg city and up to 42 mpg highway.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while equipped with a complex COMAND infotainment system, offered a spacious and functional interior. The system, though not touchscreen, required multiple steps for various functions, which could be distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in comfort and practicality, with features like seat 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 correctly, provided clear and high-resolution displays.

The 2020 Honda Civic improved its interior with better cupholders and sound insulation. The EX hatchback featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and the interior controls were user-friendly. The Civic's storage options were configurable, with a deep center console and removable cupholders. Rear passenger space was generous, though the lack of rear air vents was a drawback. The trunk offered ample cargo space, with the hatchback providing up to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was packed with advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system and a V2X communication system. The infotainment system, though initially complex, offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester stereo. The car's tech included multi-contour seats, a front camera, and the Energizing Comfort Package, which adjusted climate and lighting settings. AMG models featured a Track Pace app for track guidance.

The 2020 Honda Civic's infotainment system was outdated compared to newer Honda models, but it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Civic Si introduced Active Sound Control, though it could be turned off. Standard features included push-button start, keyless entry, and heated front seats. Honda Sensing, with active lane centering and adaptive cruise control, was standard on all trims. LaneWatch provided a live feed of the blind spot, enhancing safety.

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 models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side bolster inflation during a side collision. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2020 Honda Civic earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for all body styles except the Type R, which wasn't tested. The Civic received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for the passenger frontal crash on the coupe. Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist, was standard across the lineup, contributing to the Civic's strong safety performance.