2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan market with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included Parametric surfacing for both the interior and exterior. A notable feature was the Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design element intended to break conventional automotive design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's appearance improved with higher trim levels, offering a more upscale look and feel, especially in the Ultimate trim with its light gray interior that contrasted starkly against the black cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan that was unmistakably a Mercedes from any angle. The front end resembled the CLA-Class, while the rear end and taillights were reminiscent of the S-Class. The C-Class featured cab-rearward proportions, emphasizing its rear-wheel-drive platform, and came standard with LED headlights and taillights, with an option to upgrade to the Mercedes Digital Light system. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a special and luxurious interior feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for urban driving but felt underpowered for highway merging. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and offered impressive fuel efficiency, although real-world consumption was slightly higher than expected due to mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 horsepower, providing a sporty driving experience, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower, offering exhilarating performance and precise handling.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, complemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Despite its power, the C300 experienced some turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, with muted impacts from bumps and potholes, although it lacked the air-suspension systems of larger Mercedes models. The C-Class demonstrated good body control and precise steering on twisty roads, but required a more deliberate approach to cornering compared to the best sports sedans. The sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version offered a more powerful engine with 402 horsepower, enhancing performance significantly.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom, comparable to the larger Sonata sedan, although the backrest shape and angle lacked upper back support. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, provided increased interior space, leading its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom. The seats were comfortable with adequate bolstering for spirited driving, although thick rear pillars created a blind spot. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for accommodating longer items. The C-Class's interior featured luxurious materials, although some dashboard trim produced glare in direct sunlight.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrumentation screen in the Ultimate trim. The larger screen offered navigation, a dynamic voice recognition system, and a Sounds of Nature function. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium audio system, impressing with its audio quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an infotainment setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard features included keyless entry and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The MBUX infotainment system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple items to be displayed simultaneously. The C-Class also featured an optional augmented-reality navigation system, providing a front-camera feed with overlaid arrows for precise navigation.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most Elantra models came equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Safety-related upgrades included cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist, offering impressive smoothness and accuracy.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came standard with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe features. Optional safety features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Car-to-X communication, which provided advance warnings of potential hazards.