2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2022 Toyota Camry immediately stood out with its bold Cavalry Blue paint, a head-turning feature exclusive to the Camry TRD (Toyota Racing Development) model. This paint, alongside other updates like standard heated side mirrors for all trims and dual-zone automatic climate control (excluding TRD), enhanced its appeal. The SE Hybrid trim level even brought a Nightshade Edition package, blacking out exterior trim and wheels.

Toyota offered a diverse range of 13 versions of the Camry, with prices starting just over $26,000 for the base LE and capping at just under $37,000 for the sporty XSE. Choices abounded—ranging from a four-cylinder engine to a V6, and even a gas-electric hybrid powertrain delivering impressive fuel economy.

Our TRD test car, costing $35,470, was visually distinctive with matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, aerodynamic body kit, and striking red accent stripes. Despite the athletic look, some found the styling too aggressive. Inside, the dashboard layout presented a peculiar mix of red gauge illumination and driver-oriented design, with certain elements appearing tacky. Despite its polarizing exterior and interior, there was no denying the Camry TRD's bold attempt to shake off the Camry's historically bland reputation.

In comparison, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exuded elegance in its coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon variants. Our specific test model, the AMG E53 Cabriolet, showcased high-end style with matte-blue paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim—its base price of $85,400 spiraling to nearly $110,000 with options.

Mercedes-Benz maintained a design purity, with the AMG styling, intricate wheels, and convertible top adding flair. Inside, it dazzled with high-resolution digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and sumptuous leather, ensuring an unmatched feeling of luxury. The E53 Cabriolet epitomized affluence, presenting a stark contrast to the Camry's sport-trim bravado.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD packed a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels (FWD). Complementary to this power were features like paddle shifters and a Sport transmission mode. Despite aggressive driving in mountainous terrain, it maintained nearly its EPA-rated 25 mpg combined, showing remarkable efficiency.

Toyota tuned the TRD for performance with structural enhancements and a reworked suspension. Stiffer sway bars, stronger springs, and TRD shocks contributed to its dynamic handling. Additional touches included larger brakes, a sporty dual exhaust, and 235/40 summer performance tires on matte-black alloy wheels. The overall driving experience was engaging, with responsive brakes and a compliant suspension that balanced daily comfort with spirited drives. However, front-wheel drive limited grip, leading to tire squeal under hard acceleration.

Capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds, the E53 Cabriolet also offered multiple driving modes via AMG Dynamic Select. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system delivered a compelling Duality—calm during leisurely drives, yet fierce on winding mountain roads. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 remained composed, highlighting its versatile driving nature. This capability, combined with a top-down, thrilling exhaust note, made it both a relaxed cruiser and a spirited performer.

• Cutting-edge safety features and extensive driver assistance systems are non-negotiable.

Inside the 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, the front seats carried red accent details but lacked extra bolstering, which surprisingly wasn’t an issue due to the car's low-slung, sporty driving position. Despite being less spacious than some rivals, the Camry comfortably seated two adults in the back. However, the TRD's focus on enhanced rigidity removed the 60/40 split-folding capability of the rear seats, leaving a fixed backseat and a limited 15.1 cubic-foot trunk.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet provided luxurious amenities for all four passengers. The cabin featured the Aircap system to reduce wind turbulence, making open-top drives more enjoyable. The front seats came with rapid-heating features, a heated steering wheel, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. Even in hot weather, sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats ensured comfort. The multi-contour seats with massage and the Air Balance fragrance system added to a sublime driving experience.

While the Camry TRD boasted generous in-cabin storage, its trunk space was limited. The E53 Cabriolet's trunk, although only 9.5 cubic feet with the top up (and about half that with the top down), reflected typical convertible constraints. However, its overall interior luxury and thoughtful features easily overshadowed this limitation.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD's technology suite featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, a nod to simpler times. Including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, it met contemporary needs. Subscription services like Safety Connect and WiFi Connect came with trial periods.

Upgrading to a 9-inch display brought Remote and Service Connect plans alongside a 9-speaker JBL audio system. Despite sound quality criticisms, it was a decent system given the price. The TRD missed out on some optional advanced navigation and voice recognition technologies available in other Camry models, like the head-up display and surround-view monitoring system.

On the other hand, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet impressed with its MBUX infotainment system. Equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens, it provided striking visual clarity and brightness. Interaction with MBUX was versatile, supporting touchscreen, physical controls, voice commands, and customizable preferences. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. The standout Burmester audio system added to the luxurious tech experience. However, MBUX could be intricate, and voice commands occasionally struggled with top-down driving wind noise.

The 2022 Toyota Camry earned high marks for safety, equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other crucial driver aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the TRD. While the lane-keeping assistant sometimes faltered, the adaptive cruise control worked reliably, albeit conservatively in curves. With Safety Connect granting various emergency and assistance functions, the Camry was a reassuring choice, further validated by its Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

Mercedes-Benz similarly ensured the 2022 E-Class was loaded with standard safety features like collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured unique systems like Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound for pre-collision preparation, and Magic Vision Control for optimal windshield visibility. The extra-cost Driver Assistance Package added advanced aids like adaptive cruise control and Active Emergency Stop Assist, enhancing driver confidence. These safety technologies combined to secure the E-Class's reputation for comprehensive occupant protection.