2020 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Toyota Prius retained its iconic jellybean-like shape, a design optimized for aerodynamics. Over the years, Toyota made subtle tweaks to give it a more sedan-like appearance while maintaining its hatchback functionality. The Prius continued to look contemporary with its futuristic style, even as other cars adopted similar design cues. Inside, the Prius featured a unique cabin layout with centrally located instrumentation and gauges, a hallmark since its inception. The trim levels ranged from the entry-level L Eco to the feature-rich Limited, each offering a variety of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, sported a smooth, rounded body reminiscent of earlier generations. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet forms, it catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The E-Class looked particularly elegant with the traditional hood ornament and chrome grille on the sedan. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions were visually appealing across different trims. The cabriolet version, with its contrasting soft top, revealed a luxurious interior featuring multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and polished wood. The high-resolution digital screens and ambient lighting created a sophisticated atmosphere, making the E-Class a place of solitude and comfort.

The 2020 Toyota Prius featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, while an all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, the Prius AWD-e, was also available. The AWD system operated up to 43 mph, providing additional traction when needed. The Prius offered smooth acceleration, especially at lower speeds, with a seamless transition between electric and conventional power. It had three drive modes—EV, Eco, and Power—each catering to different driving preferences. The unique shifter design and Engine Braking mode added to its distinctive driving experience. The Prius handled well for a hybrid, with a low center of gravity contributing to sharper handling and a smooth ride.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of powertrains. The E350 replaced the E300, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The E450, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The AMG models, E53 and E63 S, provided even more power, with the E53's hybrid setup producing 429 horsepower and the E63 S's twin-turbo V8 generating 603 horsepower. The E-Class featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The E-Class excelled in providing a smooth and comfortable ride, with precise handling and advanced suspension systems. Fuel economy varied by model, with the E350 achieving up to 32 mpg on the highway, while the high-performance E63 S managed 16/23 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Prius made excellent use of its compact platform, offering versatile storage solutions. The doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured large trays and sub-trays for additional storage. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with good driver visibility. The rear seats were also spacious, though taller passengers needed to be cautious when entering and exiting. The Prius offered 50.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and between 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet with the seats up, depending on the model. This made the Prius one of the most spacious hybrids available, with its hatchback design facilitating easy loading of large items.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while featuring a more complex infotainment system, offered a luxurious and spacious interior. The COMAND system, though complicated, provided extensive functionality through its large screens, touchpads, and multiple input methods. The E-Class excelled in comfort, with features like seat climate controls, multi-contour seats, and ample space in all dimensions. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. Practical touches like a net in the front passenger footwell and concealed cupholders added to its functionality. The E-Class's interior was a blend of high-tech features and traditional luxury, making it a comfortable and practical choice.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and three USB ports. The Limited trim upgraded to an 11.6-inch screen with a customizable layout, though it lacked Android Auto. The Prius also offered satellite radio, HD Radio, a head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker JBL premium audio system. The top-center instrument panel, a defining feature of the Prius, provided critical readouts and hybrid drivetrain status, with many functions accessible via the steering wheel controls.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced technology, including a semi-automated driving system capable of steering, lane changes, and obstacle avoidance. The Driver Assistance Package added numerous features, enhancing safety and convenience. The E-Class included a V2X system for communication with other Mercedes vehicles, customizable digital dashboards, and standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Burmester stereo system, multi-contour seats, and ambient lighting added to the luxurious experience. Some features, like the Energizing Comfort Package, offered unique but less practical benefits. Overall, the E-Class was packed with cutting-edge technology, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2020 Toyota Prius came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and active park assist. The Prius earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, though it fell short of the highest rating due to average scores in certain tests.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. The E-Class featured innovative safety technologies, such as Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.