2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part of the W213 generation, was a refined evolution from its predecessor, adopting a more fluid and curvaceous design reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class models. This design philosophy, termed "sensual purity" by Mercedes' chief designer, Gorden Wagener, was evident in the E-Class's elegant silhouette. The 2021 model introduced subtle yet impactful changes, such as squinted headlights and a trapezoidal grille, giving it a slightly edgier appearance. Despite these updates, the E-Class maintained its reputation as a reserved and conservative vehicle, with a cabin that was a testament to luxury. The interior was a showcase of opulent materials, including rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fibre, complemented by advanced technology like dual 12-inch screens and a digital instrument panel. The E-Class's interior was unmatched in its class, offering a lavish and modern experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued to build on its legacy of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. The 10th-generation Civic, introduced in 2016, was known for its bold styling, which polarized opinions but ultimately became a familiar sight on the roads. The 2021 model was available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-oriented Type R formats, with the coupe and Civic Si temporarily discontinued. The Civic's design was both daring and practical, with a spacious interior that rivaled midsize cars from a decade ago. The Touring trim, in particular, offered a visually appealing package with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful design, although the infotainment system's 7-inch screen showed its age. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter in its segment, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced significant changes under the hood, transitioning from conventional V6 engines to electrified inline-six powertrains for its high-volume models. The E450 became a hybrid, utilizing a 48-volt electrical system to enhance performance and efficiency. This system provided an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief moments, allowing the engine to shut off more frequently to save fuel. The E450's 3.0-litre inline-six engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with the battery's overboost offering even more power. The AMG E53 variant added a second turbo, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E63 S boasted a formidable 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the E-Class prioritized comfort and refinement over outright speed, with the AMG models offering a balance of performance and luxury.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice of two engines, with the base models featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, standard on the Touring trim, was the preferred choice, delivering 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided a spirited driving experience, complemented by the Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering. The Civic's performance was somewhat hampered by its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which could be unrefined and droning. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the official estimate. While the Civic lacked the all-wheel-drive capability of the E-Class, it remained a fun and efficient compact car.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a spacious and luxurious cabin, accommodating four adults comfortably. The interior featured supportive seats, ample headroom, and legroom, with thoughtful touches like knee cutouts and a scalloped roof for taller passengers. The E-Class sedan provided 540 litres of trunk space, while the wagon variant offered even more cargo capacity with its stowable rear-facing jump seat. The coupe and convertible models had less rear seat space, but the E-Class remained a versatile and practical choice. The redesigned infotainment system, with its touchscreen interface and intuitive controls, enhanced the driving experience, although mastering the dual screens required some learning.

The 2021 Honda Civic, despite its compact size, offered a roomy interior comparable to midsize cars from a decade ago. The Civic's low seating position required some effort to enter and exit, but once inside, passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with excellent thigh support. The front seats provided power adjustments, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's centre console was a highlight, offering ample storage space and practicality. The sedan's trunk was generous, with 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system. While the Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, it remained a practical and comfortable choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, offering a touchscreen interface with intuitive controls and natural voice processing. The system included features like gesture control, live camera feeds with overlay arrows, and massaging seats with side bolsters. While the system didn't support over-the-air updates, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger and 4G WiFi. Optional driving assists provided semi-autonomous capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience. The E-Class's instrument cluster offered customizable displays, allowing drivers to choose between traditional gauges or modern graphics.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic's technology was more basic, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited connectivity options. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the Civic's voice recognition system was unsophisticated, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided familiar interfaces and navigation capabilities. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the Civic's technology lagged behind more modern competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a leader in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, including Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation during collisions, and crosswind stabilization. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, although it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings in all assessments from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.