2021 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Prius
2021 Toyota Prius
$24,525MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Prius
$24,525MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$54,050

MSRP

$24,525

Listings

271

Listings

158

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Difficult-to-use technology
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Quiet cabin
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Sluggish performance

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews Summary

A Mercedes-Benz is a physical indulgence that gives as much or as little pleasure as your checking account allows. The 2020 E-Class starts off well-equipped in ways a $55,000 Mercedes wasn't just a few years ago, and it becomes decadent and power-drunk once you start adding options. For 2020, a new base engine joins this car's stellar design, technology, and effortless demeanor.

2021 Toyota Prius Reviews Summary

To many people, cars are appliances made to serve a function. These consumers own a car because they need to get from where they are to where they’re going, and with a minimum of hassle, expense, or discomfort. Reliability, efficiency, safety, and economy are the critical deciding factors, and the 2021 Toyota Prius delivers on all fronts.

Confusingly, for 2021, the Prius lineup offered a 2020 Edition. Toyota built just 2,020 examples to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Prius sold in the U.S. market. It has blacked-out trim, black 17-inch wheels, a body-color rear spoiler, and comes in Supersonic Red or new Wind Chill paint colors.

Additionally, Toyota improved the 2021 Prius’s driving-assistance systems by making Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard across the board. Android Auto is also standard (joining Apple CarPlay), except for the unique infotainment system in the Prius Limited.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

0.7 kWh

MPG City

23

MPG City

58

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

53
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Prius
2021 Toyota Prius
$24,525MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,050MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Prius
$24,525MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$54,050
$24,525
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.8
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

6.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Difficult-to-use technology
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Quiet cabin
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Sluggish performance
Summary
A Mercedes-Benz is a physical indulgence that gives as much or as little pleasure as your checking account allows. The 2020 E-Class starts off well-equipped in ways a $55,000 Mercedes wasn't just a few years ago, and it becomes decadent and power-drunk once you start adding options. For 2020, a new base engine joins this car's stellar design, technology, and effortless demeanor.

To many people, cars are appliances made to serve a function. These consumers own a car because they need to get from where they are to where they’re going, and with a minimum of hassle, expense, or discomfort. Reliability, efficiency, safety, and economy are the critical deciding factors, and the 2021 Toyota Prius delivers on all fronts.

Confusingly, for 2021, the Prius lineup offered a 2020 Edition. Toyota built just 2,020 examples to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Prius sold in the U.S. market. It has blacked-out trim, black 17-inch wheels, a body-color rear spoiler, and comes in Supersonic Red or new Wind Chill paint colors.

Additionally, Toyota improved the 2021 Prius’s driving-assistance systems by making Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard across the board. Android Auto is also standard (joining Apple CarPlay), except for the unique infotainment system in the Prius Limited.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
0.7 kWh
MPG City
23
58
MPG Highway
32
53
Look and feel
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
9/10
2021 Toyota Prius
5/10

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, reminiscent of its predecessors, boasted a smooth, rounded body that aligned with the brand's traditional design language. Despite its streamlined appearance, which some critics felt could use a few more edges, it maintained a familial resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class. This model was available in various forms, including sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, catering to a conservative clientele. The sedan, in particular, exuded luxury with its classic hood ornament and chrome grille, while most models featured a sportier grille with a prominent Mercedes emblem. The E-Class's LED lighting added a touch of elegance, and its proportions were visually appealing across different configurations, from the Luxury model's higher suspension to the sportier versions with larger wheels and quad exhausts.

Inside, the E-Class cabriolet stood out with its contrasting soft top and luxurious interior. The cabin, when specified with multi-tone leathers and polished wood, offered a sumptuous experience. The expansive digital screens, spanning two feet across the dashboard, provided a high-tech feel, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles. The ambient lighting, available in 64 colors, added to the car's serene atmosphere. Even the base model, with its leatherette upholstery, felt superior to many competitors, offering features like heated armrests and massaging seats for a truly comfortable ride.

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped design, a hallmark since its second generation. While the styling was no longer necessary for aerodynamic efficiency, it remained a defining feature of the Prius's identity. However, the design was not universally praised, even in the trendy 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, the Prius featured a unique layout with a central strip of displays near the windshield and unconventional transmission controls. The dashboard's dramatic wrap into the door panels and the narrow center console added to the car's quirky interior design. Gloss-black trim, while stylish, was prone to attracting dust and fingerprints.

The Prius was available in several trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD-e system for the LE and XLE. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offered different styling and trim options. As a five-door hatchback, the Prius provided substantial utility akin to a crossover SUV, though without the rugged appearance or ground clearance. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, with the 2020 Edition test vehicle priced at $31,295, including destination charges.

Performance
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
8/10
2021 Toyota Prius
5/10

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting with the E350, which replaced the E300. The E350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Despite its modest power increase, the E350 delivered improved responsiveness thanks to a revised turbo design. However, its performance above 40 mph was less impressive, and the car's weight made passing maneuvers challenging. For those seeking more power, the E450 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine offered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing a more balanced and effortless driving experience.

For performance enthusiasts, the AMG E53 and AMG E63 S models delivered exhilarating power. The AMG E53 featured a hybrid setup with a V6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Class offered various drivetrain options, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with performance-tuned AWD available on AMG models. Fuel economy varied depending on the powertrain, with estimates ranging from 19 to 32 mpg.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius prioritized fuel efficiency over performance. The L Eco version achieved an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, while other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, and AWD-e models managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not powerful, the electric motor's torque provided lively acceleration from a stop and allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds.

The Prius offered various driving modes, including EV Mode for electric-only driving, and Eco, Normal, and Power modes to optimize efficiency or responsiveness. The car's regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during deceleration. The Prius's Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform contributed to its handling capabilities, providing a lower center of gravity and a more athletic feel. While not a performance car, the Prius handled curvy roads with enthusiasm, offering predictable handling and commendable braking feel.

Form and function
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
6/10
2021 Toyota Prius
6/10

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex infotainment system called COMAND, which could be challenging to navigate on its large screens. The lack of touchscreens was a notable drawback, requiring multiple steps to adjust settings and input addresses. The system's complexity could be distracting, but the E-Class offered functional features like seat controls on the door panels and ample interior space. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for small children. The E-Class provided a comfortable and spacious interior with clear sightlines and high-resolution digital displays.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, often perceived as a small car, offered surprising interior space. It accommodated up to five passengers, with comfortable seats upholstered in Toyota's SofTex synthetic leather. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the low seating position made entry and exit more challenging. The rear seats provided adequate room for adults, though they lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, with up to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Technology
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
9/10
2021 Toyota Prius
4/10

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system with features like lane-changing assistance and obstacle avoidance. The Driver Assistance Package offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The E-Class also included a V2X system for communication with nearby Mercedes models, customizable digital displays, and standard connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo provided high-quality sound, and the car featured unique options like the Energizing Comfort Package for personalized comfort settings.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard connectivity options, including Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim offered an upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen with additional features like a JBL premium sound system and navigation. However, the sound quality was lacking, and road noise could overwhelm the audio experience. The digital instrumentation displayed dated graphics, and the overall technology package did not convey a sense of sophistication.

Safety
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
10/10
2021 Toyota Prius
8/10

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received top safety ratings, including a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as 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 2021 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Prius LE and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the NHTSA did not rate the 2021 Prius, the IIHS provided favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick designation.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Prius scores 6.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the recommended choice for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle with strong safety credentials.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Prius scores 6.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the recommended choice for those seeking a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle with strong safety credentials.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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