Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Hyundai Elantra

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an exterior styling that artfully integrated elements from other Mercedes models into a unified package. The front end had a similar droop to the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear end and thin taillights were distinctly reminiscent of the S-Class. This blend resulted in a stylish sedan with unmistakable Mercedes branding, easily recognizable from any angle, especially due to the grille's large three-pointed star logo surrounded by smaller stars. Emphasizing its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, the C-Class sported cab-rearward proportions, marked by a long hood and short rear deck, distinguishing it from the CLA-Class and A-Class, which had different proportions from a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform. Standard LED headlights and taillights adorned all trim levels, with an optional upgrade to Mercedes’ Digital Light system. This advanced lighting system could follow curves and project warning icons to alert drivers about lane markings, construction zones, or pedestrians without blinding them. Inside, the C-Class interior strove to echo the luxury of the S-Class, featuring a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, prominent air vents, and intricate speaker grilles for the Burmester audio system. The 64-color ambient lighting enhanced the luxurious feel, although the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery did slightly diminish the premium sensation, with real Nappa leather available at higher trims. For the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai offered a broad range of options to cater to diverse customer needs. From the budget-friendly base Elantra SE to the more sophisticated SEL and Limited trims, Hyundai provided an appealing range of choices. The Elantra Limited looked and felt more upscale than its price tag suggested. Elantra Hybrids touted impressive fuel economy, getting between 50 and 54 mpg in combined driving, distinguishing themselves only with a discreet "Hybrid" badge. The sporty Elantra N Line and the powerful 276-horsepower Elantra N catered to driving enthusiasts, with the N undergoing development on the Nürburgring track. Aesthetic opinions varied on the Elantra’s exterior design, with some finding it controversial. However, the test vehicle's interior, with its Melange with Gray color scheme and upscale fabric trim, offered a striking contrast and an upscale feel. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Elantra Limited’s cabin boasted a well-executed design with high-tech displays and classy ambient lighting, far exceeding typical entry-level expectations.

Under the hood, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This mild-hybrid added an electric motor functioning as a starter and could contribute up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for short bursts. Mercedes claimed a zero to 60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph. A sportier AMG C43 version was also announced, featuring a more potent turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling a zero to 60 mph sprint in 4.6 seconds, with a higher top speed contingent on wheel size. Despite its power, the C300 exhibited turbo lag, causing a delay between pressing the accelerator and actual acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic sometimes delivered rough shifts and held gears for too long. However, the ride quality managed to uphold luxury standards, handling bumps and potholes effectively despite minor vibrations. On twisty roads, the C-Class displayed good body control and precise steering, although it required deliberate effort to handle sharp turns, unlike more agile sports sedans. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its performance didn’t excite on paper but was surprisingly peppy. The CVT, termed by Hyundai as an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), was among the best in its class. The test drive averaged 33 mpg, close to the official 34 mpg rating. While the Elantra Limited’s torsion-beam rear axle setup might prompt some enthusiasts to seek the independent multi-link suspension available in other trims, most drivers found the standard setup adequate. The car demonstrated communicative and compliant ride quality, suitable steering effort, and minimal noise at highway speeds. On challenging mountain roads, it maintained composure, providing consistent, trustworthy handling. Though not as exhilarating as the N Line or N trims, the Elantra Limited surprised with its flat cornering attitude and stable handling. The steering lacked quickness and sharpness, and brakes showed some heat-induced shudder without fading.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with its sedan-only configuration, grew longer and wider than its predecessor, translating to improved interior space. Front headroom increased by 0.1 inches and rear headroom by 0.4 inches, with rear-seat legroom gaining 0.8 inches. This made the C-Class class-leading in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom lagged behind competitors. The seats provided comfort for long drives and spirited driving, and forward visibility was excellent, despite rear blind spots necessitating driver aids. The dashboard trim's glare and the wireless charging pad's accessibility issues were minor drawbacks. With 17.9 cubic feet of trunk space, the C-Class outmatched rivals, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench offered flexibility for longer items. For the 2023 Hyundai Elantra, practicality coexisted with style. The compact sedan provided ample room for families, featuring proximity-sensing keyless entry and a six-way power driver’s seat in the Limited model, enhanced by dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. Rear-seat comfort took a hit due to a reclined backrest and lack of rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Taller passengers disliked the hard plastic front seatbacks. The trunk offered 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free release feature and the ability to stow full-size suitcases on their sides, maximizing utility. The 60/40-split folding back seat expanded cargo capacity when needed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adopted an S-Class-inspired infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. Even the base C300 Premium trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features in higher trims included a Burmester 3D surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX infotainment system’s “Zero Layer” interface allowed easy access to functions with minimal menu navigation, supported by an excellent voice recognition system and intuitive touch controls on the steering wheel. The augmented-reality navigation offered precise turn-by-turn guidance via a front-camera feed with overlaid arrows, enhancing driving ease. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch digital displays, standard in the Limited trim and included in the SEL Convenience package and N Line trim. These screens elevated the compact car’s tech appeal, supported by standard infotainment features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. However, only Bluetooth connected wirelessly; USB ports were needed for CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system performed well, though it struggled with certain commands. The Limited’s BOSE audio system underwhelmed compared to rivals. Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert added modern conveniences.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class awaited crash-test ratings at publication. The previous model was an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+”, but the new version needed new evaluations. It came with standard features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems, which prepared the car for collisions. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control, though neither was as advanced as Cadillac’s Super Cruise. Car-to-X communication warned of upcoming road hazards, enhancing safety in connected environments. The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Limited trim added cyclist detection, intersection turning assist, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, praised for its smooth operation. It achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and awaited updated IIHS ratings from its previous Top Safety Pick status.