2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille, a signature of Nissan's current lineup, was prominently displayed at the front, flanked by expressive headlights that gave the car a serious demeanor. The Sentra offered a variety of vibrant paint options, including two-tone schemes for the SR trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Sentra's cabin was designed for comfort and practicality, featuring a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The interior materials were a step up from previous models, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch. The rear seats were spacious for a compact sedan, and the trunk offered a generous 404 litres of cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class showcased a design that seamlessly integrated elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a stylish and recognizable sedan. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from its front-wheel-drive siblings. Standard LED headlights and taillights, with the option for the advanced Mercedes Digital Light system, added to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen and instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. The interior felt luxurious, although the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its entry-level luxury status. The C-Class offered a spacious trunk and increased interior dimensions compared to its predecessor, providing ample room for passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada for certain trims. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its nimble handling, and while it wasn't the fastest, it offered adequate performance for daily commuting. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with consumption figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and controlled ride, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300, on the other hand, boasted a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which added short bursts of power. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. While the powertrain was potent, it exhibited some turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. The ride quality was luxurious, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease, although it lacked the finesse of more sophisticated suspension systems. The C-Class offered a sporty driving experience, with precise steering and good body control, but required a deliberate approach to cornering.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring well-placed controls and a traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage options, including large door pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long journeys, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium trim added features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's interior layout was user-friendly, with USB ports and a 12-volt outlet conveniently located.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available only as a sedan, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor. It led its class in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, providing comfort for passengers. The seats were supportive, and visibility was generally good, although thick rear pillars created blind spots. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. The C-Class's interior featured luxurious materials and advanced technology, although some design choices, like the placement of the wireless charging pad, were less practical.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system that included AM/FM/USB connectivity, with upgrades available for higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while the S trim had a 7-inch display. Although navigation wasn't available, smartphone integration allowed for navigation apps to be used via the touchscreen.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an advanced infotainment system inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D surround-sound system. The MBUX system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, allowing multiple functions to be displayed simultaneously. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and the optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance for turns.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class also offered a wide range of advanced driver-assistance systems, many of which were standard. These included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe features. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control. The C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although it hadn't been crash-tested by the NHTSA at the time of publication.