2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer body and wheelbase, maintaining the same height but widening by about 2.5 centimetres. This change, along with a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, gave the Jetta a more dramatic and upscale appearance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design, offering a spacious and functional environment. The interior featured a mix of soft-touch surfaces and comfortable seating, making it suitable for long drives. The Jetta's trim levels—Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—offered various features, with the base Comfortline trim surprisingly well-equipped.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a cohesive and stylish sedan recognizable as a Mercedes from any angle. The cab-rearward proportions emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the CLA-Class and A-Class. 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, prominent air vents, and ambient lighting. Despite its luxury billing, the C-Class came standard with MBTex synthetic leather upholstery, with Nappa leather seats available as an option.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta offered a smooth and sporty driving experience, with precise steering and minimal body roll. It handled both city and highway driving well, with no significant weaknesses at low or high speeds. The Jetta's fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual transmission and 7.1 L/100 km for the automatic.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, providing an additional 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. However, the power delivery was not always smooth, with noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. Despite these issues, the C-Class offered a comfortable ride with good body control and precise steering, although it required a more deliberate approach in corners.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats, adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom, and a 399-litre trunk. The interior layout prioritized functionality, with a user-friendly touchscreen and a blend of real buttons and dials for controls. The Jetta's practicality was praised, with a spacious centre tray and a focus on ease of use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, providing more interior space. It led its class in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, although front legroom was less impressive. The C-Class offered comfortable seats with good bolstering, but thick rear pillars created a blind spot. The trunk had a capacity of 455 litres, with a wide opening for easy loading and unloading. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench allowed for additional cargo space when needed.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment setup similar to the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver. Standard features included keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the MBUX infotainment system with a “Zero Layer” setup. Optional features included a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, a head-up display, and an augmented-reality navigation system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline grade included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline added features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a Good rating from the IIHS but did not earn a Top Safety Pick due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star safety rating.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came with standard safety features such as 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. The C-Class offered advanced driver-assistance systems, although its adaptive cruise control fell short of the hands-free systems available in some competitors.