Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Ford Focus
Overview | |
MSRP$43,550 | MSRP$17,225 |
Average price$26,742 | Average price$9,173 |
Listings9423 | Listings4662 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money. The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress. The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring. | |
Reviews SummaryFor as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best. It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes. The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Drive Train | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower160 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower160 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.6 cu ft | Cargo Space13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight3825 lbs | Curb Weight2960 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height57.8 in |
Length187.0 in | Length178.7 in |
Width80.0 in | Width80.5 in |
Wheelbase112.8 in | Wheelbase104.3 in |
Maximum Payload1202 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $43,550 | $17,225 |
Average price | $26,742 | $9,173 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.2 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money. The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress. The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring. | For as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best. It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes. The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle | |
Drive Train | FWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 6500 rpm | |
MPG City | 26 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 160 hp I4 Flex Fuel Vehicle |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 160 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.6 cu ft | 13.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3825 lbs | 2960 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 57.8 in |
Length | 187.0 in | 178.7 in |
Width | 80.0 in | 80.5 in |
Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 104.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1202 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.