2021 Mazda MAZDA3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3, following its 2019 redesign, continued to impress with its award-winning design. The sedan version, which was tested, showcased a blend of drama and sophistication, while the hatchback variant, though not tested, was noted for its aggressive and forward-leaning appearance. The Premium Plus trim of the sedan, priced at $33,890, featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather and a high-contrast two-tone interior, aiming to elevate Mazda into the premium segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class integrated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish and cohesive sedan. The front end resembled the CLA-Class, while the rear took cues from the S-Class. The C-Class emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform with cab-rearward proportions, and standard LED headlights and taillights added to its modern appeal. Inside, the C-Class aimed to mimic the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower with 93-octane fuel and 227 horsepower with 87-octane fuel. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 Turbo delivered a smooth and predictable driving experience. The car's dynamic tuning and improved steering feel made it a joy to drive, though it fell short of its EPA fuel economy estimate, averaging 20.4 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. While the powertrain felt powerful, it suffered from turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, and the car handled well on twisty roads, though it required a more deliberate approach to spirited driving.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 2.5 Turbo's interior, lined with Nappa leather and equipped with heated front seats, felt luxurious but lacked some premium features like ventilated seats and rear-seat amenities. The driver-focused cabin offered adequate storage and a competitive trunk space of 13.2 cubic feet. The hatchback variant provided more utility with 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 47.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, offered increased interior space, leading its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom. The seats were comfortable and supportive, though the front legroom was less generous. The trunk space of 17.9 cubic feet was impressive, and the wide trunk opening made loading and unloading easy. The rear seats could be folded to accommodate longer items, enhancing the car's practicality.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. However, the lack of a touchscreen and subpar voice recognition technology were significant drawbacks. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system offered good audio quality, but the infotainment system's usability issues were frustrating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted a sophisticated infotainment setup with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX infotainment system, with its "Zero Layer" setup and excellent voice recognition, was user-friendly and intuitive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 came equipped with the i-ActiveSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), designed to support rather than replace the driver. Features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Mazda3 earned top five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, though the IIHS had not yet carried over its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from 2020.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a comprehensive array of standard and optional ADAS. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features ranged from lane-keep assist to Car-to-X communication, which allowed vehicles to share information about road conditions. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication, the previous model had been an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+".