Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Toyota Camry

In an unexpected twist, the 2022 Toyota Camry began to turn heads, especially with its new eye-popping Cavalry Blue paint exclusive to the performance-tuned Camry TRD model. This standout color was among a few updates for the 2022 lineup, which also included standard heated side mirrors for all trims, standard dual-zone automatic climate control for all trims except the TRD, and a new paint color called Ice Edge. Furthermore, the SE Hybrid trim level offered a new Nightshade Edition package that blacked out the car’s exterior trim and wheels, a feature already available on other Camry models.

Despite its versatile range of 13 different versions, the Camry was relatively easy to customize to one’s specifications, with pricing starting just over $26,000 for the base Camry LE and reaching nearly $37,000 for the upscale Camry XSE. Buyers could choose from a four-cylinder engine, a V6, or a gas-electric hybrid powertrain capable of over 50 mpg in combined driving.

Our test version was the Camry TRD, sporting an optional JBL premium sound system and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The total MSRP came to $35,470, factoring in a $1,025 destination charge from the Kentucky factory.

Even without the Cavalry Blue paint, the Camry TRD stood out. It featured an aerodynamic body kit, including a front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler, and aggressive rear diffuser panel. Matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, red accent stripes and badges, and polished stainless-steel exhaust outlets emphasized its sporty vibe. A gloss black grille with a mesh insert completed the look.

However, the bold design was somewhat divisive. Although some youthful onlookers were attracted to the dynamic styling, others found it excessive. While the current Camry design, dating back to 2018, overcame decades of complaints about the Camry’s boring looks, it wasn’t everybody's cup of tea.

Inside, the Camry featured an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented center console. The TRD’s red gauge illumination and floor mat embroidery, along with red seatbelts, came off as tacky to some. Although the dynamic tuning was appreciated, the dramatic styling felt overdone.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class seamlessly incorporated styling elements from other Mercedes models into a cohesive design. The front end had a signature droop similar to the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear and slim taillights echoed the S-Class. The distinctive front grille featured a substantial Mercedes three-pointed star logo surrounded by smaller versions, making the sedan instantly recognizable from any angle.

The C-Class’s cab-rearward proportions, defined by a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its RWD platform, distinguishing it from the FWD CLA-Class and A-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to Mercedes’ Digital Light system, offering advanced features like projecting warning icons and lane markings, enhancing safety without dazzling other drivers.

Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the flagship S-Class with a freestanding touchscreen, prominent air vents, and Burmester audio system. The 64-color ambient lighting created a special feel, reinforcing its luxury credentials despite the MBTex synthetic leather upholstery (with Nappa leather available on higher trims).

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). A Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters quickened the car’s response, while a Sport driving mode adjusted throttle response and steering effort. The Camry TRD delivered an EPA-rated 25 mpg in combined driving; during testing, it averaged 24.8 mpg, even when driven aggressively.

The TRD variant featured "track-tuned" driving dynamics, including increased torsional rigidity with thicker underbody braces, stiffer sway bars, tauter springs, and TRD shocks. Bigger, more responsive brakes, a sport dual exhaust system, and 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 summer performance tires further enhanced its performance.

The Camry TRD’s interior slightly disappointed, lacking the bolstering upgrades over the standard Camry SE. However, the powerful V6 and precise eight-speed automatic transmission more than compensated, offering a thrilling driving experience. Despite its FWD layout causing occasional wheelspin and tire squeal, the car felt solid, secure, and planted thanks to its structural bracing and TRD-tuned suspension. Navigating winding mountain roads highlighted the Camry TRD’s fun, yet controlled nature, with minimal body roll and excellent brake pedal feel and modulation.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The hybrid system contributed an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.

A sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version was also available, featuring a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and top speeds of up to 165 mph with optional wheels.

Although the C300 4Matic felt sufficiently powerful, acceleration wasn’t always smooth due to “turbo lag”. The transmission, while generally quick, occasionally exhibited rough shifts and held gears longer than preferred in automatic mode, though paddle shifters mitigated this.

The C300’s ride quality impressed, muting bumps and potholes effectively. The suspension balanced luxury with sportiness, offering good body control and precise steering. However, the car required deliberate effort to corner sharply, contrasting with more agile sports sedans.

The Camry TRD’s front seats, despite their red accents and embroidered logos, lacked additional bolstering compared to the Camry SE. Surprisingly, this didn’t affect comfort thanks to a low-slung, sporty driving position, fabric seat inserts, and minimal body roll in corners. Both front seats offered power height adjustment, ensuring long-term comfort.

While not the roomiest midsize sedan, the Camry’s back seat comfortably accommodated two adults. However, the TRD lacked rear-seat air vents and, due to enhanced structural rigidity, had a fixed rear seatback, reducing utility. The 15.1 cubic-foot trunk was one of the smallest in its class, comparable to the smaller Honda Civic sedan with its 14.8 cubic feet. Nonetheless, the Camry offered generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the center armrest and ample stash space.

By comparison, the new-generation C-Class, available only as a sedan, was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering increased interior space. Front headroom grew by 0.1 inch and rear headroom by 0.4 inch, while rear-seat legroom increased by 0.8 inch, making the C-Class a leader in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom in its class. However, front legroom remained below class average.

The C-Class’s seats were comfortable yet supportive for spirited driving, with excellent forward visibility but thick rear pillars creating blind spots. Minor complaints included dashboard glare in direct sunlight and an inconvenient wireless charging pad location. With 17.9 cubic feet, the C-Class provided more trunk space than competitors, and a wide opening facilitated loading. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for flexible cargo management, though Mercedes didn’t specify cargo space with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was relatively small by modern standards. Despite this, the stereo volume and tuning knobs offered a nostalgic touch, and shortcut buttons enhanced accessibility. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, as well as Safety Connect and WiFi Connect subscription services with complimentary trials. An optional 9-inch touchscreen retained these features, adding Remote Connect and Service Connect plans, along with a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system, known for its bass-heavy sound.

Notably, the Camry TRD didn’t offer dynamic connected navigation or voice recognition technology, though Siri and Google Assistant could be accessed via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an S-Class-inspired infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen, even on the base C300 Premium model. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, while the mid-tier C300 Premium added a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. The top C300 Pinnacle included a head-up display and augmented-reality navigation system.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, familiar from other models, used a “Zero Layer” setup from the EQS electric car, displaying multiple items on a single screen. The voice recognition system was top-notch, and touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive, grouped by function on four spokes. The optional augmented-reality navigation system offered a live camera feed with overlaid arrows for precise navigation, a standout feature in the tech-savvy C-Class.

Every 2022 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive package of driver assist and collision avoidance features. Highlights included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the Camry TRD and optional on LE and SE trims.

However, lane-maintenance technologies occasionally misread pavement scars and issued false warnings, while lane-centering assist could be insistent on non-straight roads. The adaptive cruise control system sometimes reduced speed unnecessarily in curves. Despite this, the Camry’s Safety Connect feature offered a year’s free access to emergency assistance, roadside help, and a stolen vehicle locator. If a collision couldn’t be avoided, the 2022 Camry’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA evaluations assured robust protection.

In contrast, while crash-test ratings for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class weren’t available yet, the previous model’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status was promising. The 2022 model offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, and Pre-Safe systems to prepare the car for a collision. Optional features included advanced adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The C-Class also featured Car-to-X communication, allowing networked vehicles to share information about road conditions. This system, which once warned of a pothole ahead, showcased Mercedes’ commitment to cutting-edge safety technology.