2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2021 Nissan Sentra
2021 Nissan Sentra
$19,510MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Sentra
$19,510MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$19,510

MSRP

$43,550

Average price

$16,764

Average price

$35,975

Listings

2536

Listings

365

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Manual transmission not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Sluggish performance

2021 Nissan Sentra Reviews Summary

Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews Summary

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 149 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

149 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

29

MPG City

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

2021 Nissan Sentra
2021 Nissan Sentra
$19,510MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Sentra
$19,510MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$19,510
$43,550
Average price
$16,764
$35,975
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Quiet cabin
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Manual transmission not available
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Sluggish performance
Summary
Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 149 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
29
MPG Highway
39
Look and feel
2021 Nissan Sentra
7/10
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
9/10

The 2021 Nissan Sentra made its debut as part of Nissan's eighth generation of production. Initially introduced in 1982 as a sub-compact sedan, the Sentra moved through various body styles before finally settling into a compact four-door sedan in its fifth generation. The Sentra boasted an athletic exterior with crisp bends and lines, including a V-Motion grille and horizontally arrayed headlights, which gave it a serious, squinty look. Buyers could choose from eight vibrant exterior paint colors, with SR trim levels offering three two-tone schemes to highlight its design. The interior featured a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin offered textured plastic on the console and doors, which was an improvement over past imitators. With roomy second-row seating and up to 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Sentra was practical yet stylish.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class took on a different approach with a timeless design incorporating elements from other Mercedes models. Its front end featured a massive three-pointed star logo, while its cab-rearward proportions and long hood emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Digital Light system, which allowed the lights to adjust to curves and project warning icons. The interior mimicked its flagship S-Class with a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles. The ambient lighting offered 64 color options, making the cabin feel luxurious. However, it disappointed with standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, though available Nappa leather seats improved the experience.

Performance
2021 Nissan Sentra
6/10
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7/10

Under the hood, the 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that offered 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT powered the car, making it relatively light at 3,036 to 3,084 pounds. While it wasn't built for speed, the Sentra delivered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy topped out at 33 mpg combined for S and SV models and 32 mpg combined for SR models. The four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars and dual-pinion electric steering offered commendable road manners and handling, making the Sentra almost fun to drive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered more horsepower and torque with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain included a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 achieved a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. However, there were some performance quirks like turbo lag and rough shifts. The more powerful C43 version boasted a 402 hp engine with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. Handling was precise, although it required a more deliberate approach due to its weight and stature. Still, the ride quality stood up to luxury standards, even without sophisticated air-suspension systems.

Form and function
2021 Nissan Sentra
7/10
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7/10

The 2021 Nissan Sentra impressed with its practical interior layout. The center stack featured well-placed controls and knobs, and traditional elements like gear selector levers and open cupholders with gripping "fingers" offered convenience and familiarity. The two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port minimized clutter while providing plenty of connectivity options. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats lived up to their reputation for comfort, making long rides tolerable. The Sentra's cargo capacity reached up to 14.3 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split rear seat for carrying larger items.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, being longer and wider than its predecessor, offered marginal increases in headroom and rear legroom. It became a leader in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom among its competitors. The sedan boasted a trunk capacity of 17.9 cubic feet, making it more spacious than many rivals. However, front legroom was less impressive. The seats provided ample comfort with enough bolstering for spirited drives, although rear-seat visibility was hindered by thick pillars. Some interior features could create issues, such as dashboard glare and a wireless charging pad poorly placed for concurrent use of cupholders.

Technology
2021 Nissan Sentra
7/10
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
9/10

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a standard AM/FM/USB audio system with four speakers, upgrading to six with SiriusXM capability in the SV and SR trims. A premium Bose system with eight speakers was available in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration came standard, and the SV and SR models also had an 8-inch touchscreen. NissanConnect services offered remote car access, a WiFi hotspot, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Navigation, however, was only available by subscription on SR models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class mirrored the advanced infotainment setup found in the S-Class. Even the base C300 Premium featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, as was the upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system in the mid-tier and the advanced head-up display and augmented-reality navigation system in the top C300 Pinnacle. The MBUX infotainment system with the "Zero Layer" setup enabled easy access to multiple functions simultaneously, including a highly effective voice recognition system.

Safety
2021 Nissan Sentra
8/10
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
7/10

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive set of standard safety features like dual-stage airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags. The vehicle had zone body construction, steel side-door guard beams, and an energy-absorbing steering column. The tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert was particularly user-friendly. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 added intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Sentra received a five-star rating from NHTSA and was designated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

While those ratings for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class were not available, the 2021 model had been an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The new C-Class featured extensive safety equipment, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, and Pre-Safe systems that prepared the car for collisions. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and various levels of adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also introduced Car-to-X communication, which allowed real-time sharing of information like road conditions between networked vehicles.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Sentra was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored 7.8 out of 10. Considering these ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class emerges as the superior choice. If you seek advanced technology, luxurious amenities, and commendable performance, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class should be your pick.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Nissan Sentra was 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored 7.8 out of 10. Considering these ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class emerges as the superior choice. If you seek advanced technology, luxurious amenities, and commendable performance, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class should be your pick.

CarGurus logo

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.

Popular vehicle comparisons

2023 Honda Civic vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2023 Subaru Impreza vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Subaru Impreza2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Honda Civic2023 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Kia K52023 Kia K5 vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback2022 Subaru Impreza vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2022 Honda Accord vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2022 MINI Cooper vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Toyota Prius vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2022 BMW 5 Series vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2022 Audi A4 vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Lexus ES vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2022 Audi A4 vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2023 Nissan Sentra2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Kia K52021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Lexus ES2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Audi A42021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Chrysler 3002021 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Honda Civic2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Subaru Impreza2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Hyundai Elantra2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2022 Nissan Sentra2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Chevrolet Malibu2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2020 Honda Accord2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 BMW 5 Series2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2020 Audi A42020 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2020 Subaru Impreza2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Subaru Impreza2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Toyota Prius vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2020 Volkswagen Jetta2020 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata2020 MINI Cooper vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2019 Nissan Sentra vs 2019 Toyota Prius2019 Audi A4 vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Kia Optima vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Lexus ES vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2019 Honda Civic vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Chevrolet Impala vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 BMW 5 Series vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2019 Lexus ES vs 2019 Nissan Sentra2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2019 Nissan Sentra2019 Honda Civic vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2019 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2019 Nissan Sentra2019 Nissan Sentra vs 2019 Hyundai Elantra