2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class presented a sophisticated exterior design that borrowed elements from other Mercedes models, creating a cohesive and stylish sedan. The front end featured a droop reminiscent of the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear and thin taillights echoed the S-Class. The cab-rearward proportions, with a long hood and short rear deck, emphasized its rear-wheel-drive platform, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive 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 luxury of the S-Class with features like a freestanding touchscreen, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting with 64 colours. Despite its luxury appeal, the standard MBTex synthetic leather upholstery was a reminder of its price range, though Nappa leather seats were available.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, meanwhile, exuded a near-luxury appearance that often drew comparisons to the Audi A7. Its sleek exterior, stretched by 7 centimetres, featured a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The car's planted stance was accentuated by a long, flowing roofline. The Accord Touring offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black Honda Performance Development wheels. Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior, with its Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather, provided a refined and upscale feel, with standard heated seats and a traditional gearshift for ease of use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which added up to 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The C300 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. A sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version offered 402 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reducing the zero to 100 km/h time to 4.5 seconds and increasing the top speed to 250 km/h. The C300 4Matic test car felt powerful but exhibited turbo lag and occasional rough shifts. Despite these issues, the ride quality was luxurious, with good body control and precise steering, though it required a deliberate approach in corners.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with no all-wheel drive option. The Accord Hybrid offered smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not overwhelming in acceleration, it provided sufficient power for highway merges and passing. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a balanced ride. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for easier fine-tuning. The Accord's agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking ease.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, available only as a sedan, was longer and wider than its predecessor, offering increased interior space. Front headroom increased by 2.5 mm, and rear headroom by 10 mm, with rear-seat legroom gaining 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 good bolstering for spirited driving, but thick rear pillars created blind spots. The trunk offered 455 litres of space, with a wide opening for easy loading and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench for longer items.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim hiding the air vents. The infotainment screen was centrally placed, with easy-to-reach climate control buttons. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, providing convenience. The front seats offered excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was limited by the roofline. The trunk provided 473 litres of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class featured an infotainment system inspired by 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, with options for a Burmester 3D surround-sound system, head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi, and augmented-reality navigation. The MBUX system offered a "Zero Layer" setup, displaying multiple functions on the screen simultaneously. The voice recognition system was highly effective, and touch controls on the steering wheel were intuitive. The augmented-reality navigation system provided helpful visual cues for turns.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's standard model came with a 7-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument display, while the Hybrid upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and easy navigation. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Maps, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not tested it. Standard safety features included automatic emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver-attention monitor, park assist, Pre-Safe, and Pre-Safe Sound. Optional features included lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, dash cam, and two levels of Distronic adaptive cruise control. Car-to-X communication allowed information sharing between vehicles, providing warnings for potential hazards.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests, headlights, crash avoidance, and child seat compatibility.