2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a youthful and somewhat rebellious aesthetic, often compared to a teenager with piercings and tattoos. While it was a sedan, its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy appearance even when stationary. The aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to this impression. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, featuring many hard plastics that contributed to its less mature reputation. The interior design had not significantly changed since its introduction in 2015, making it look dated compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models into a cohesive and stylish sedan. The front end resembled the CLA-Class, while the rear end and taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive CLA-Class and A-Class. Inside, the C-Class aimed to mimic the luxurious S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles. The ambient lighting and overall design made the interior feel special, although the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its price range.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The manual transmission was often criticized for its vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The WRX also featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

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 was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which added up to 20 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque in short bursts. The C300 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The sportier AMG C43 version offered 402 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reducing the 0 to 60 mph time to 4.6 seconds. While the C300 provided sufficient power, it suffered from turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, muting bumps and potholes effectively, but the car required deliberate effort to handle twisty roads.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console that could obstruct shifting. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with good visibility and decent rear-seat space for a compact sedan.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering more interior space. Headroom increased slightly, and rear-seat legroom improved by 0.8 inches. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable with adequate bolstering for spirited driving. The trunk offered 17.9 cubic feet of space, more than its rivals, and the wide opening made loading easy. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for longer items, although Mercedes did not publish cargo space figures with the seats folded.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim featured an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the tech felt outdated compared to newer models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup similar to the S-Class, with 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, with higher trims adding a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system included a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple items to be displayed simultaneously. The voice recognition system and touch controls on the steering wheel were user-friendly, and the augmented-reality navigation provided clear guidance for turns.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems, many as standard equipment. These included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver-attention monitor, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. The C-Class also featured Car-to-X communication, providing warnings based on information shared between vehicles.