2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not universally praised for its looks. However, the SE or XSE trims, especially in the Celestite paint color, offered a more attractive appearance. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap plastics of previous models. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status. The base price started at $19,600, with the top XSE trim costing around $28,800.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintained a similar exterior styling to its predecessor but boasted a drag coefficient of 0.22, making it more aerodynamic than a Toyota Prius. The S-Class was slightly larger in all dimensions, with standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. The interior was designed around the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with a minimalist approach. The ambient lighting system featured 250 LED elements and 64 color options, enhancing the luxurious feel. High-quality materials like Nappa leather and open-pore wood trim were standard, although the piano-black trim was prone to smudges.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The XSE trim provided a smooth and stable ride, thanks to its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities. The XSE trim was EPA-rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with real-world testing averaging 29.8 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came in two main variants: the S500 4Matic with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and the S580 4Matic with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 496 horsepower. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and EQ Boost, a mild-hybrid system adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. The S500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S580 did it in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class also included standard air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control suspension, along with rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability. The S580 was fast and comfortable, with precise steering and minimal body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being a compact car, offered a roomy interior officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted rear glass made it less comfortable for rear passengers. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position and lack of a front seat height adjuster were drawbacks. The trunk space measured 13.1 cubic feet, sufficient for a couple of suitcases and additional bags.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provided more front and rear headroom and rear legroom than its predecessor, with segment-leading shoulder room. The cargo space increased to 12.9 cubic feet, although some optional extras could reduce this. The front seats featured 19 motors for adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with tiny pillows for the head restraints. The center console offered ample storage, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed a large console/armrest with cupholders and climate controls. The optional Executive Line package added power-adjustable rear seats and four-zone climate control.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, but not Android Auto. The system included a high-mounted touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu access buttons. The XSE and XLE trims offered wireless device charging and advanced voice recognition. The system also provided Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and various trial subscriptions for navigation and connectivity services.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED central touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated MBUX infotainment system offered increased computing power and a more touchscreen-reliant interface. The S-Class also featured an augmented-reality head-up display, a 30-speaker Burmester audio system, and a rear-seat infotainment setup with 11.6-inch touchscreens. The system allowed for personal profiles accessed via biometric or facial recognition and enabled rear-seat occupants to send navigation directions to the main screen.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with impressive refinement and accuracy, although the lane-departure warning alert was irritating. The Corolla also offered a blind-spot monitoring system, standard on XLE and XSE trims. The NHTSA gave the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included a rear-passenger airbag and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The traffic-sign recognition system could detect stop signs and red lights, and the lane-keep assist could read road edges. The S-Class also featured a new steering wheel with capacitive sensors. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems performed exceptionally well, handling highway curves and reacting smoothly to traffic changes.