2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

For the 2021 model year, the Honda Accord Hybrid came in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. With prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240, the hybrid powertrain was an added $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it represented a $460 saving. The car showcased a well-balanced design, with proportions, stance, and detailing that made it look exceptional among Honda's offerings. The refresh for 2021 included a redesigned grille integrating the Honda Sensing radar unit, a revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim added striking 19-inch aluminum wheels, and Sonic Gray Pearl became a new paint option.

The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, displayed a dark undertone, avoiding the typical drab brightness of silver. The new wheels were eye-catching but challenging to keep clean due to their gloss black inserts. Lunar Silver paired only with a Black interior, while a two-tone Ivory-over-Black demanded choosing Platinum White Pearl or Radiant Red Metallic.

Inside, the Accord’s cabin felt upscale with polished metallic accents and simulated matte-finish wood trim, though hard plastic on the upper rear door trim was a letdown. The logical arrangement of controls, volume and tuning knobs, and excellent outward visibility made it user-friendly.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class drew inspiration from other Mercedes models while maintaining a distinct look. Its front end bore a resemblance to the CLA-Class, and the squared-off rear end and thin taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its RWD platform, differentiating it from the CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to Mercedes’ Digital Light system, featuring headlights that adapted curve-following and projecting warning icons.

Inside, the C-Class strove to be a miniature S-Class, featuring a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles. The signature nightclub-style ambient lighting with 64 colors, synthetic leather upholstery, and optional Nappa leather found in higher trims added a luxurious touch, setting it apart from mainstream brands.

Honda's two-motor hybrid system in the Accord Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a generator/starter motor and an electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. Eschewing a traditional CVT, it used an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) devoid of heavy rare-earth metals. This powertrain produced 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a swift 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Most trims boasted 48 mpg in combined driving, with the Touring trim achieving 43 mpg due to its larger wheels.

The Accord Hybrid seamlessly switched between EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive modes. Improved throttle response and a more natural acceleration sound made the 2021 iteration better than its predecessor. The Touring trim offered athletic handling with its 19-inch wheels, showing no signs of the battery and electric drive motor weight. However, speed humps required careful navigation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine yielding 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, capable of delivering an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for brief periods. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.

While the power wasn’t always delivered smoothly, with noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts, the ride quality was luxurious. Despite minor juddering over bumps, the suspension balanced comfort and sportiness effectively. During spirited driving, the C300 displayed competent body control and steering, though it required a deliberate approach to engage in sporty maneuvers.

Entering a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid revealed an unexpectedly spacious interior, competing as a midsize sedan but offering full-size sedan roominess. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and the large back seat provided ample space, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Generous interior storage, including a sizable center console bin and large door panel bins, added to its practicality.

The Accord Hybrid’s trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, comparable to non-hybrid Accords and larger than its segment competitors. The deep trunk could accommodate full-size suitcases, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, solely available as a sedan, was slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, offering more interior space. Headroom increased by 0.1 inches in front and 0.4 inches in back, with rear-seat legroom expanding by 0.8 inches. The C-Class now led its class in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom lagged.

Comfortable seats and forward visibility contributed to a positive driving experience, despite occasional glare from dashboard trim and a wireless charging pad that clashed with the cupholders. The C-Class trunk impressed with 17.9 cubic feet, surpassing rivals and featuring a wide opening for easy loading. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench added flexibility, although specific cargo figures with seats folded were not provided.

Starting in 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity and additional USB ports for quick charging. EX-L trim added a premium sound system, and Touring trim featured navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the voice command system required specific prompts for functionality, falling short in some critical tasks.

For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the S-Class-inspired infotainment setup included a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The mid-tier C300 Premium added a Burmester 3D sound system, and the top C300 Pinnacle included a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation.

The MBUX system’s “Zero Layer” setup allowed for intuitive function access, aided by a top-notch voice recognition system. Touch controls on the steering wheel were user-friendly, and the optional augmented-reality navigation system enhanced driving with real-time visual cues for turns.

In 2020, the Honda Accord fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to subpar headlights. For 2021, redesigned LED headlights became standard, aiming for improved safety ratings. The updated model also included rear-seat reminders, low-speed braking control in the Touring trim, and refinements to Honda Sensing ADAS. While effective, the system's operation remained noticeable, with certain features needing recalibration.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had no crash-test ratings available at the time, although the 2021 model earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. The 2022 model featured standard safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control with varying stop-and-go functionalities. The Car-to-X communication system, which shared real-time road information between networked vehicles, added an innovative safety layer.