Toyota Prius vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class represented a significant shift for the automaker, as it moved the model upmarket to differentiate from its compact car lineup. This redesigned sedan draws heavily from the S-Class, offering luxury-seeking buyers on a budget a taste of Mercedes' flagship experiences without the flagship price. With its launch in the C300 form, featuring standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive across three trim levels, the C-Class positions itself against a competitive field of small sports sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, aiming to offer the most Mercedes for the money. Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Prius marked a departure from its traditionally utilitarian roots, embracing a new, more attractive design without compromising its hallmark fuel efficiency. This fifth-generation model introduces significant power improvements alongside impressive safety features and technology, presenting itself as a compelling hybrid hatchback option in a market increasingly crowded with alternatives. Although the Prius and C-Class don’t typically compete against one another, it is nonetheless interesting to see how they compare.

Both vehicles receive a 7 out of 10 rating from CarGurus for performance. The C-Class, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and mild-hybrid system, delivers 255 horsepower and a smooth, if occasionally laggy, driving experience. Its luxury ride quality and handling on twisty roads are noted strengths, though it faces competition from sportier models in its segment. The Prius boasts a new 2.0-liter engine paired with a powerful electric motor, offering a total of up to 196 horsepower in AWD models—a significant increase from previous versions. This results in a more responsive, agile vehicle with improved acceleration and a comfortable ride, making it a more engaging daily driver.

In practicality and usability aspects, CarGurus experts have rated both the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2023 Toyota Prius a 7 out of 10. The newly redesigned C-Class sedan now only comes in a sedan body style, offering more interior space than its predecessor. This increase in dimensions has resulted in a modest gain in headroom and a notable improvement in rear-seat legroom, making the C-Class a leader in its competitive set for front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom. The trunk space is particularly generous for the segment, providing 17.9 cubic feet, which is more than enough for luggage and shopping items. This space is enhanced with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for accommodating longer items. The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its new design, sees a reduction in headroom due to its sleeker profile but compensates with increased legroom, ensuring comfort for both front and rear passengers. The cargo space in the Prius is affected by the design changes, resulting in 20 cubic feet of space for XLE and Limited models, and 24 cubic feet for the LE trim, making it slightly less capacious than the C-Class in terms of luggage capacity. The Prius also offers optional features like a fixed glass roof to enhance the sense of space within the cabin, though it's worth noting this does not open for airflow. Visibility and access to technology like wireless charging within the cabin are thoughtfully addressed in the Prius, albeit with a smaller interior compared to its predecessor. In summary, while the C-Class leads with more trunk space and a slight edge in rear-seat comfort, the Prius offers a competitive package with its thoughtful interior design and functional cargo solutions, ensuring both models cater well to the needs of their respective segments.

Technology sees the C-Class rated at 9 out of 10, benefiting from its S-Class-inspired infotainment setup and a host of connectivity and audio features. The Prius scores a 7 out of 10, with its standard and optional tech falling short of the Mercedes in terms of sophistication and user experience, despite offering a solid array of features including wireless smartphone integration and multiple USB-C ports.

The C-Class and Prius diverge significantly in safety ratings, with the Prius leading at 9 out of 10, courtesy of its comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package. The C-Class, despite being equipped with an array of advanced driver aids, scores a 7 out of 10.

Fuel economy and overall value bring the C-Class an 8 out of 10 rating, with its slightly improved efficiency and luxury feel justifying its higher starting price against competitors. The Prius, rated 6 out of 10, sees a significant price increase with its latest model, which may affect its value proposition despite its enhancements.