2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its sporty and attractive design, featuring sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, were seen as detracting from its overall aesthetic. The interior of the Corolla XSE was a significant improvement over previous models, with high-quality materials and a minimalist design, although it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was praised for its cohesive and stylish exterior, incorporating elements from other Mercedes models. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its RWD platform, distinguishing it from other models. The C-Class featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an optional Mercedes Digital Light system for enhanced visibility. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the luxury of the S-Class, with a freestanding touchscreen, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite its luxury billing, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was typical for its price range, with Nappa leather seats available as an upgrade.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, offered a decent driving experience, although it occasionally exhibited characteristic CVT droning. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a multi-link rear suspension contributing to its competent handling. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered a smooth ride, although turbo lag was occasionally noticeable. The C300's ride quality was up to luxury standards, with good body control and precise steering. The sportier AMG C43 version boasted a more powerful engine, achieving 402 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. While the front seats provided good support and visibility, rear-seat headroom and legroom were somewhat limited. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle for the trunk lid.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, longer and wider than its predecessor, provided increased interior space, with improved headroom and legroom. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with good bolstering for spirited driving. 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 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE and XSE trims included an 8-inch touchscreen, with additional features like SiriusXM, navigation, and remote engine starting available. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class boasted an S-Class-inspired infotainment setup, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 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 for easy access to functions, with a highly effective voice recognition system and optional augmented-reality navigation.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although new airbags required re-testing for 2021.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It included standard safety features like automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Car-to-X communication, which provided real-time alerts for potential hazards.