2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid exhibited a remarkable blend of futuristic design and practical elegance. Even though it primarily carried over from previous years, the exterior flaunted a fierce and expressive front end that captivated many eyes. The grille design with a sneering face and muscular contours set it apart. Base models featured 16-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 17-inch, 18-inch, and even 19-inch alloy wheels, adding a touch of sophistication.

Inside, the Camry was futuristic and expressive. The dashboard showcased a sweeping curve from the driver's side, seamlessly crossing the center stack and forming the passenger’s side of the console. The upper half of the center stack was dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, facilitating easy access to controls. Space management was thoughtful; the center console housed a gear selector and dual cupholders, with an open cubby underneath. Rear passengers enjoyed a comfortable, roomy space, with even the typically neglected middle seat boasting a well-padded cushion. Toyota maintained its reputation for high-quality fit and finish, with smooth paint, precise trim, and quality materials throughout.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class integrated design cues from its more luxurious siblings, resulting in a sedan that unmistakably belonged to the Mercedes heritage. The vehicle's front sported a large three-pointed star logo on the grille, accompanied by smaller versions that added a starry effect. The car's proportions—with a long hood and short rear deck—emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform.

Lighting played a crucial role in the C-Class's exterior charm. Standard LED headlights and taillights were complemented by an available Digital Light system, which could project warning icons on the road and improve visibility in various driving conditions.

Inside, the C-Class directly borrowed elements from the flagship S-Class, aiming to provide a premium experience. Features included a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, detailed speaker grilles for the Burmester audio system, and nightclub-style ambient lighting in 64 colors. The materials and design created an ambiance that justified its luxury status, although the standard MBTex synthetic leather might have left some wanting genuine leather, which was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid focused heavily on fuel efficiency rather than raw power. The Hybrid LE trim achieved impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. Other trims weren't far behind, with a combined rating of 46 mpg. Under the hood, the hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, generating a total output of 208 horsepower. It utilized an electronically controlled CVT to drive the front wheels, with SE and XSE models offering paddle shifters for a simulated six-speed experience.

The placement of the lithium-ion battery pack low in the floor enhanced the vehicle's handling by lowering the center of gravity, surprisingly making the hybrid version somewhat better at cornering than its gasoline-only counterpart. However, it was tricky to maintain EV mode, and the focus on fuel economy sometimes hampered responsiveness.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a sportier and more dynamic driving experience. The base C300 model came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for an additional boost. This setup allowed the C300 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.

For those craving more speed, the C43 AMG version pushed performance even further with a 402-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This variant could sprint to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of up to 165 mph with optional larger wheels.

While the C300 delivered sufficient power, it wasn't always smoothly dispensed. There were instances of turbo lag, and the nine-speed automatic transmission, though quick, occasionally provided rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, absorbing bumps well, but could still feel a bit jittery over uneven surfaces. Handling was competent and enjoyable on twisty roads, though it lacked the agility of the best sports sedans.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in practicality and space utilization. With a ride height and seating position that offered comfort without the low-slung feel of sports cars, it accommodated drivers of various heights comfortably. Storage solutions included a spacious glove compartment, a large center armrest storage, and several small compartments across the dash.

In the rear, passengers found it easy to enter and exit, and once seated, they enjoyed a generous amount of space. Bottle holders, map pockets, and a split-folding rear bench added to the convenience. The trunk provided 15.1 cubic feet of space, thanks to the intelligently placed battery pack. A passthrough facilitated the transport of long items, and the foldable second row extended cargo capacity further. Warranty coverage was strong, with hybrid components receiving long-term guarantees.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, offered only as a sedan, gained in size compared to previous models, resulting in slightly increased interior dimensions. Front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom were particularly spacious, leading the segment. However, front legroom trailed competitors. The seats provided a blend of comfort and bolstering for spirited driving, although thick rear pillars affected rear visibility.

At 17.9 cubic feet, the C-Class offered more trunk space than its rivals. The wide opening allowed easy loading, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench accommodated longer items, albeit without a specified maximum cargo figure. The interior’s luxurious materials and design, combined with features like a power trunk release, underscored its premium positioning.

Toyota loaded the 2022 Camry Hybrid with its latest tech offerings. The vehicle featured an advanced JBL audio system as an option on higher trims, delivering high-quality sound through nine speakers. All models included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Screen sizes ranged from 7 inches on lower trims to a 9-inch touchscreen on higher variants.

Further tech comforts included Toyota’s smart key system, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. Advanced options like a 10-inch head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, and ventilated seats were available on premium trims, pushing the Camry Hybrid’s tech nearly into luxury territory.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class aimed to replicate the high-tech feel of the S-Class. Standard features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, angled toward the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system with its intuitive “Zero Layer” interface for easy access to multiple functions.

Higher trims offered enhancements like a Burmester surround-sound system, a head-up display, and an augmented-reality navigation system that projected directional cues over a live camera feed. Voice recognition and touch controls on the steering wheel were particularly user-friendly. The C-Class thus combined cutting-edge technology with ease of use and premium features.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard. This suite included pre-collision systems, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. Additional safety features in the Toyota Star system covered stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and smart stop technology. Ten airbags, rear seat reminders, and blind-spot monitoring (standard on higher trims) complemented this comprehensive safety package. The model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2021 and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 2022.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class offered a robust set of standard safety features, though specific ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems that prepared the car for collisions. Optional upgrades like lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, advanced adaptive cruise control, and Car-to-X communication further enhanced safety. The advanced adaptive cruise control could maintain a stop-and-go function for extended periods, providing near-seamless assistance during heavy traffic.