2024 Toyota Prius vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation, continued to impress with its luxurious design and electrification efforts. The S 580e model, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic AWD, showcased a sophisticated exterior with optional high-gloss black trim and 20-inch AMG wheels. Inside, the S-Class offered a lavish experience with eight leather upholstery options, including Sienna Brown and Black, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was noted for its superb fit and finish, with features like soft headrests enhancing passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Prius retained its iconic wedge-shaped profile but introduced more appealing styling. The Prius XLE and Limited models stood out with 19-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Prius maintained its quirky charm, though the instrumentation moved to a more traditional position. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel, making it seem less refined. Despite this, the Prius offered practicality with options like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a glass roof, though the interior felt snug compared to previous generations.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered 56 miles of all-electric range and achieved an impressive 53.9 mpg during testing. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, matching the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The ride was smooth, thanks to the air suspension and rear-wheel steering, though a slight jerk was noted when downshifting.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, following its redesign, boasted improved performance with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an 83-kW electric motor. The hybrid system produced 194 horsepower with FWD and 196 hp with AWD. The Prius LE achieved 57 mpg, while the XLE and Limited offered 52 mpg. The Prius accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with FWD and seven seconds with AWD. While the Prius improved in handling and acceleration, the steering felt artificial, and the CVT could be noisy under strain.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with luxury features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting with 64 colors. The trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, but the interior offered ample storage with various cubbies and a spacious center armrest.

The 2024 Toyota Prius, while stylish, felt more confined inside. The 7-inch display was criticized for being too small and obstructed by the steering wheel. Rear seats were comfortable but cramped, and storage was adequate with a wireless charging slot. The Prius offered 20.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable by removing the cargo cover, though this blocked the rear view.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with the MBUX infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Burmester sound system, and augmented reality navigation. The system offered games and a natural-language AI assistant, though the stoplight view feature was deemed unnecessary.

The 2024 Toyota Prius came with an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included various connected services with trial subscriptions. The Limited trim featured an eight-speaker JBL sound system, though it was not highly rated. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with comprehensive ADAS features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a hands-on highway driver-assist system. It also featured Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist. However, it had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Prius included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured Proactive Driving Assist and adaptive cruise control. The Prius received high safety ratings, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.