Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Volkswagen Passat
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale
Shop Now2022 Volkswagen Passat for Sale
Shop NowOverview | |
MSRP$43,550 | MSRP$27,575 |
Average price$26,742 | Average price$13,402 |
Listings9423 | Listings3793 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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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 SummaryFirst came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king. Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either. VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall3 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.6 cu ft | Cargo Space15.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3825 lbs | Curb Weight3369 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height58.7 in |
Length187.0 in | Length193.6 in |
Width80.0 in | Width72.6 in |
Wheelbase112.8 in | Wheelbase110.4 in |
Maximum Payload1202 lbs | Maximum Payload937 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for Sale
Shop Now2022 Volkswagen Passat for Sale
Shop NowOverview | ||
MSRP | $43,550 | $27,575 |
Average price | $26,742 | $13,402 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 6.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| 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. | First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king. Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either. VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | FWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | |
MPG City | 24 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 174 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | |
MPG Highway | 36 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 3 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.6 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3825 lbs | 3369 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 58.7 in |
Length | 187.0 in | 193.6 in |
Width | 80.0 in | 72.6 in |
Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 110.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1202 lbs | 937 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.