2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

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.