2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla's 12th-generation version was known for being one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. This claim held especially true for the SE and XSE trims, which boasted sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a matching diffuser panel, a subtle body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and stunning 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with its blue undertone added to the Corolla’s appeal. However, certain design elements seemed off, such as the hood line running into the headlight assembly and the bumper, creating a visually truncated front end. The rear quarter view looked its best, although the standard Corollas had an over-styled rear bumper. The new Apex Edition further amplified the Corolla’s design quirks.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class integrated styling cues from other Mercedes models to form a cohesive and stylish sedan. The front-end design resembled the CLA-Class, while the rear-end had squared-off elements and thin taillights akin to the S-Class. The result made the C-Class unmistakably Mercedes from any angle, prominently displaying a large three-pointed star logo on the grille. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel drive CLA and A-Class. The C-Class included standard LED headlights and taillights, with optional Digital Light system upgrades that projected warning icons and improved visibility on curves.

Inside, the C-Class tried hard to be a "baby S-Class," with a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and nightclub-style ambient lighting. Despite the use of MBTex synthetic leather upholstery as standard, the C-Class interior succeeded in feeling luxurious and special.

Toyota equipped the 2021 Corolla SE and XSE with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT), paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. A six-speed manual was also available for an additional $200. The CVT was highly praised for efficiently starting the car and maintaining smooth gear transitions. The Corolla utilized the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) for a low center of gravity and better driving dynamics. Despite not being categorized as a sport sedan, the Corolla XSE was engaging and predictable, delivering a comparable experience to rivals like the Honda Civic. Fuel economy was rated by the EPA at 34 mpg combined, with real-world tests yielding an average of 31.1 mpg.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup allowed the C300 to go from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph. The C-Class's power delivery sometimes felt delayed due to turbo lag, despite the electric assist, and some rough shifts were noted. The suspension provided a luxury-car standard ride, absorbing bumps and potholes effectively. However, it required deliberate handling when navigating twisty roads, differentiating it from more agile sports sedans.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE trim level came with several upgrades like SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat for added comfort and better sightlines. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and rear headroom and legroom were somewhat tight. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk, with no internal handle for closing, while the hatchback variant provided 17.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.

For the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the sedan-only option showcased increased interior dimensions compared to its predecessor. Headroom increased slightly by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the back, with rear-seat legroom gaining 0.8 inch. The C-Class now led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom. The 17.9 cubic feet of trunk space surpassed its competitors, making loading and unloading items easier, especially with the wide trunk opening. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench increased versatility, although cargo-space figures with the seats folded weren't published.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an 8-inch touchscreen from the SE trim level upwards, standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. New additions were Safety Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Corolla XSE offered Service Connect and Remote Connect, with functions like remote engine start and vehicle alerts. Optional dynamic voice recognition technology worked efficiently, making the system user-friendly. The JBL sound system, exclusive to the SE and XSE, provided decent sound depth but lacked some clarity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class followed an S-Class-like setup with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen, standard across all trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims adding a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system with the "Zero Layer" setup facilitated easy access to multiple functions without scrolling through menus. The C-Class's voice recognition system and touch controls on the steering wheel for driver aids and menu navigation were notably intuitive.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla boasted the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and automatic high-beam headlights. Updates included rear side-impact airbags and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Last year’s Corolla achieved a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The new airbags called for re-testing for the 2021 model year.

Although official 2022 C-Class crash ratings were unavailable at publication, the previous model was an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+.” The new C-Class included standard features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, a driver attention monitor, and Pre-Safe systems for impact preparation. Optional safety features extended to lane-keeping assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and two levels of adaptive cruise control. The C-Class's Car-to-X communication effectively provided real-time updates about road conditions.