2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design that had been part of its identity for over 15 years. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to sport this look, which many found unappealing. The interior was equally unconventional, featuring a strip of displays mounted in the center of the dashboard, a toggle lever for transmission controls, and a narrow center console. Gloss-black trim attracted dust and fingerprints, adding to the car's quirky aesthetic. The Prius was available in multiple trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD system for the LE and XLE trims. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The E350 sedan featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants came with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six and EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. The AMG E53 models, including the Cabriolet, boasted a more powerful version of the E450’s engine. The AMG E53 Cabriolet tested had a base price of $85,400, but with options, it reached nearly $110,000. The car's design was a blend of modern luxury and performance, with features like matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. Inside, it offered high-resolution digital displays, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious materials, making it a true embodiment of opulence.

The 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving 56 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. It paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The electric motor provided 120 pound-feet of torque, making the car feel lively off the line. The Prius featured Eco, Normal, and Power driving modes, as well as an EV Mode for electric-only driving at speeds under 25 mph. The TNGA platform contributed to a lower center of gravity and improved handling, although the car's performance was more about efficiency than excitement.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet, on the other hand, featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It came with an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for a customizable driving experience, from a quiet cruiser to a performance machine. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires, enhanced its driving dynamics. The E53 Cabriolet excelled in both relaxed cruising and spirited driving, making it a versatile performer.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five people. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather could be sticky. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear seats provided adequate space for adults but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space ranged from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, with comfortable seating for all occupants. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence when the top was down. The front seats featured heating, rapid-heating, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. Ventilated front seats and sun-reflective leather were available for hot weather. The test car also had multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. With the top raised, the trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which was halved when the top was down.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Safety Connect and WiFi Connect were also standard. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, navigation, and a natural voice recognition system, paired with an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen. However, the sound quality was poor, and the digital instrumentation felt dated.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class excelled in technology with its MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though it required some acclimation, especially with the swipe and scroll functions on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were free for the first three years. The IIHS gave the Prius favorable marks, but it lacked a Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight and front-passenger protection issues.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E53 Cabriolet also featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were also included. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and other advanced safety features.