2022 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having been around since its 2019 hatchback debut and 2020 sedan follow-up, aimed to shed Toyota's "boring" image with bold exterior styling. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive design of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered varied styling elements across its trims, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, with its subtle body kit and 18-inch wheels, stood out in Cement Grey, exuding a "Fast and Furious" vibe. Despite its sporty exterior, the interior remained simple, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its fantastic look from the previous year's complete makeover. As Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the S-Class continued its legacy of luxury and elegance, with a sleek exterior and a long distance between the front axle and dashboard, enhancing its elegant design. The S-Class's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, separate from the infotainment screen, added to the cabin's sophisticated feel. High-quality materials adorned the interior, meticulously fitted and assembled, ensuring a luxurious experience for all occupants.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options, with the L, LE, and XLE models featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, along with the Apex Edition, were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Apex Edition also boasted a sport exhaust system, enhancing its sporty appeal. A CVT was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-litre engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox with rev matching or a CVT with paddle shifters. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in the 2023 model. The Apex Edition's manual transmission and model-specific suspension improved handling, though at the cost of ride comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S500 model, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine with EQ Boost, providing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 model came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, also benefiting from EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters 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. The S-Class offered a smooth ride, with flat and predictable handling, making it suitable for both commuting and pleasure driving.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided decent headroom and legroom, similar to the Honda Civic, though forward visibility was compromised by a steeply raked windshield. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's 371-litre cargo space was smaller than competitors, though it included a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. The interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing a roomy and comfortable cabin, with powered sun blinds for second-row passengers and a Panorama Sunroof. The 510-litre trunk offered ample storage, while six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply ensured connectivity. The front seats featured rapid-heating active multicontour seats with memory and lumbar support, while the Executive Rear Seating package in the S580 catered to the chauffeured set. The S-Class's luxurious interior was complemented by soft-close doors, ensuring a serene experience for all occupants.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on other trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, with a nine-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims. The interface was user-friendly, but the graphics appeared dated, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not offered.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, following a recent makeover, was equipped with cutting-edge technology. The 12.8-inch OLED screen served as the interface for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided crisp imagery, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality HUD enhanced the driving experience, while the Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio. The S-Class's powertrain and chassis also featured advanced technology, including EQ Boost and rear-axle steering.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It featured eight airbags and a suite of standard driver-assist features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also available.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Magic Vision Control optimized windshield spray, while active distance assist Distronic, active brake assist, and active lane-keeping assist enhanced safety. The S-Class also offered car-to-x communication and rear-passenger airbags, ensuring a safe and secure ride for all occupants.