2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Honda Civic sedan was available in familiar trim levels: LX, EX, Sport, and Touring. In Canada, the pricing started at an MSRP of $24,465 for the LX and went up to $30,265 for the Touring, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, had a total cost of $32,396, including destination charges. The Civic Sport, with Platinum White Pearl paint and the Honda Performance Development package, was estimated at $31,467. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord sedan, adopting a more conservative and mature appearance compared to its predecessor. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, which reflected a newfound maturity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporated design elements from other Mercedes models, resulting in a 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. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to the Mercedes Digital Light system, which adjusted to curves and projected warning icons. Inside, the C-Class aimed to emulate the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, ambient lighting, and intricate speaker grilles. Despite its luxury billing, the standard upholstery was MBTex synthetic leather, with Nappa leather available. The interior combined these elements to create a special feel, making a case for choosing a luxury car over a mainstream brand.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with different CVTs for each engine. The Civic's structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel were improved, providing an enjoyable driving experience. The Civic Touring returned 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on a 150-kilometre loop, slightly above the estimated 6.9 L/100 km combined. The Civic's predictable and satisfying demeanour made it a joy to drive in various scenarios.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 used a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The C300 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The sportier AMG C43 version offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The C300's power delivery was not always smooth, with noticeable turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. Despite this, the ride quality met luxury standards, and the C-Class handled twisty roads with good body control and precise steering, though it required a deliberate approach.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, heated front seats, though ventilation was absent. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, but the Touring trim included heated rear cushions. The redesigned interior had a new centre console with less storage but more accessible cupholders. Trunk volume was 419 litres, or 408 litres with the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, providing more interior space. Headroom increased by 2.5 mm in front and 10 mm in back, with rear-seat legroom up by 20 mm. The C-Class led its segment in front-seat headroom and rear-seat legroom, though front legroom was less competitive. The seats were comfortable, with enough bolstering for spirited driving. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench accommodated longer items, and a power trunk release was available.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display showed when lights and signals were active, enhancing safety. The standard infotainment system had a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and navigation. The system performed well, with improved voice recognition technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class had an infotainment setup similar to the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen. Standard features included keyless entry and wireless smartphone integration. The MBUX system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, displaying multiple functions simultaneously. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive. The optional augmented-reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a front-camera feed.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle architecture was stronger, with new airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A rear-seat reminder system was standard.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe systems. Optional features included lane-keep assist, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control. Car-to-X communication allowed information sharing between vehicles, providing warnings for hazards like potholes.