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

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic design from the previous year, following a complete makeover in 2021. Despite the growing popularity of SUVs, the S-Class stood as a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury sedans. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, exuded elegance. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. High-quality materials adorned the cabin, meticulously fitted and assembled, providing a luxurious experience for both driver and passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks, as many automakers phased them out in favour of small crossover SUVs. The Civic hatchback, produced in Indiana, shared its front design with the Civic sedan but featured a distinct rear. The interior boasted sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, with Sport Touring trim offering additional features. While the Civic hatchback provided a modern appearance and high-quality controls, it faced some criticisms, such as the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger and the absence of rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was designed for both serene commuting and exhilarating weekend drives. The S500 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the EQ Boost system. The S580 model offered a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S500 and S580 were quick, with 0-100 km/h times of 4.9 and 4.4 seconds, respectively. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the S500 achieving 11.4 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway, while the S580 managed 14.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower. The latter was available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, providing accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The CVT worked well with the turbocharged engine, while the six-speed manual transmission was praised for its smooth operation. The Civic hatchback delivered enjoyable driving dynamics, with firm suspension tuning and responsive steering. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the CVT achieving 7.1 L/100 km combined and the manual transmission averaging 7.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled as an executive sedan, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof, while the 510-litre trunk provided ample storage. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply. Front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour adjustments, and optional ventilated and massaging functions. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to chauffeured passengers with a 43-degree recline and power calf rest. However, the wide-opening doors posed a challenge for some occupants, though soft-close functionality mitigated this issue.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality, with a generous 693-litre trunk and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. Seating positions were comfortable, with the Sport Touring trim offering an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear seats. The interior featured black fabric, combination cloth and synthetic leather, or black leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Automatic climate control was standard, with dual-zone functionality in higher trims. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents was noted as a drawback.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen interface for the MBUX infotainment system. The OLED screen offered superior image quality and energy efficiency, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable visual themes, and an optional 3D instrument cluster added depth. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced the driving experience. The Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The EQ Boost system and rear-axle steering further improved performance and maneuverability.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured 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 and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound system controls addressed previous criticisms, and a shelf below the display provided stability for touchscreen use. The voice recognition system performed well, though the Sport variant's speakers were deemed mediocre. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in Sport Touring, providing comprehensive information and driving assistance status.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with an array of safety and driver assistance features, including Magic Vision Control, adaptive cruise control, and active brake assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, while car-to-x communication shared warning messages. Rear-passenger airbags and rear-seat belt bags were available for added protection. The S-Class's safety features were designed to provide a secure and comfortable experience for all occupants.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic warning available in Sport Touring. The Civic hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced engineering and safety features. However, some driver aids were noted for their less-than-transparent operation.