2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, enhancing its appeal in diverse driving conditions. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, were designed for those seeking performance and luxury, with features like matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fibre trim. Despite its high price tag, the E53 Cabriolet was a statement of luxury, offering a blend of design purity and high-end interior features, including digital displays and Burmester speaker grilles, making it a standout in the luxury segment.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks as other automakers phased them out. Built in Indiana, the Civic Hatchback was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America. It shared its front design with the Civic sedan but featured a unique rear design. The Civic Hatchback was available in LX, Sport, and Sport Touring trims, with prices ranging from $28,000 to $35,000. The Sport Touring trim, tested in both CVT and manual transmission, offered a modern interior with digital instrumentation and high-quality materials. While the Civic Hatchback had some design quirks, such as the lack of rear air conditioning vents, it provided a comfortable and practical driving experience, appealing to those who valued functionality and style.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This setup ensured robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system allowed for dynamic driving experiences, with multiple AMG Dynamic Select driving modes to tailor the car's performance. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, along with optional 20-inch wheels, provided a balance of comfort and sportiness. Despite some cowl shake, the E53 Cabriolet felt solid and sure-footed, making it suitable for both leisurely drives and spirited mountain runs. Its AWD system and heated features made it a viable option for winter driving, provided winter tires were used.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it responsive for everyday driving. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The CVT paired well with the turbo engine, offering smooth operation, while the six-speed manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience. The Civic Hatchback's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and handling, though it was not as sporty as some might desire. The brakes were adequate for regular use but could fade under hard driving conditions. Despite these limitations, the Civic Hatchback delivered a satisfying driving experience, with good fuel efficiency, achieving near-official estimates in real-world testing.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system enhanced comfort. The test car featured rapid-heating front seats, heated armrests, and ventilated front seats for hot weather. The triple-layer acoustic soft top helped maintain a cool and quiet cabin. The multi-contour front seats with massage and Air Balance interior fragrance system added to the luxury experience. However, the trunk space was limited to 360 litres with the top up, and about half that with the top down, comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade for easy loading. The 60/40-split folding rear seat increased cargo capacity, though the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Sport Touring trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear seats. The interior materials varied by trim, with black fabric in LX, cloth and synthetic leather in Sport, and black leather in Sport Touring. Automatic climate control was standard, with dual-zone control in higher trims. Despite some passenger complaints, the Civic Hatchback offered a practical and comfortable interior.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system, renowned for its digital instrumentation and user-friendly interface. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the system's foundation, offering high-resolution displays. Interaction options included the touchscreen, centre console controls, voice assistant, and steering wheel touchpad buttons. MBUX included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi service, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. A head-up display and Burmester surround-sound audio system were available. While the system was comprehensive, users needed to familiarize themselves with its menu structure, and the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in LX and Sport trims, and a 9-inch display in Sport Touring. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound controls addressed previous criticisms, and a shelf below the screen provided stability for touchscreen use. The voice recognition system was effective, though Sport trim buyers might seek aftermarket speaker upgrades. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in Sport Touring, offering comprehensive information and driving assistance status.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cabriolet featured pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound systems prepared occupants for collisions and protected hearing. Active Parking Assist and a surround-view camera aided parking, while rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control improved visibility. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other advanced features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, available only with the CVT. In Canada, blind-spot warning was standard, with rear cross-traffic warning in Sport Touring. Low-Speed Braking Control was also available in CVT-equipped Sport Touring models. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety engineering and new airbags designed to reduce head injuries. While Honda Sensing was improved, some driver aids were not entirely seamless in operation.