2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2022 Honda Civic offered a blend of familiar and new in its sedan lineup, which included LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trim levels. Prices started at $21,700 for the base LX and topped out at $28,300 for the high-end Touring model, excluding a $995 destination charge. The five-door hatchback variant was expected to return later in the year, but the two-door coupe was discontinued.

During our assessment, we evaluated the Civic Touring in the new, extra-cost Morning Mist Blue paint, priced at $29,690 including destination charges. We also took a glimpse at a Civic Sport adorned with Platinum White Pearl paint and the Honda Performance Development (HPD) package, with an estimated price just under $25,880.

The Civic’s new design bore a resemblance to its sibling, the larger Accord, primarily due to the similar sleek lines and a longer wheelbase. This 11th-generation model also adopted a more conservative and mature appearance, which was a departure from last year's edgier design. Fans of the previous model's bold styling might have found this redesign somewhat dull, but those desiring a more grown-up look were likely satisfied.

Inside, the Civic aimed for simplicity, harkening back to earlier generations. A notable addition was a strip of metal honeycomb mesh spanning the dashboard to obscure the air vents elegantly. The interior materials were upgraded, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a newfound maturity absent in previous models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class combined design elements from other Mercedes models into a cohesive and unmistakably stylish sedan. The drooping front end resembled the CLA-Class, while the squared-off rear and thin taillights mirrored the luxurious S-Class. The prominent grille with a large three-pointed star logo surrounded by smaller stars ensured brand recognition from any angle.

With cab-rearward proportions, a long hood, and a short rear deck, the C-Class emphasized its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, distinguishing itself from the smaller A-Class and CLA-Class. Standard LED headlights and taillights could be upgraded to Mercedes’ Digital Light system, which adjusted headlights to follow curves and project warning icons, enhancing both safety and driver awareness.

The C-Class’s interior design borrowed heavily from the S-Class. Features like the freestanding touchscreen, instrument cluster, prominent air vents, intricate speaker grilles, and ambient lighting with 64 color options created a luxurious atmosphere. While only synthetic leather upholstery was standard, Nappa leather seats could be chosen on higher trims. This attention to detail made the interior feel more luxurious compared to many mainstream brands, despite some ergonomic quirks noted.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured two engine options, both improved versions from the previous generation. The base engines for the LX and Sport trims consisted of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Although adequate, the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine available in the EX and Touring trims was more desirable, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This turbo engine provided a smooth power delivery across a wide rev range of 1,700 to 4,500 rpm.

Honda paired these engines with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), using different CVTs for each engine. The new Step Shift programming better mimicked the feel of traditional automatics, contributing to a nearly seamless driving experience. Both the Sport and Touring trims featured a Sport transmission mode, enhancing responsiveness.

Considering improved structural rigidity, tuned four-wheel independent suspension, and refined steering, the 2022 Civic offered an enjoyable driving experience, especially around corners. The Civic maintained a balance between handling and ride quality, with less road noise and improved overall comfort. During a test loop, the Civic Touring returned 30.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA’s estimate of 34 mpg, suggesting some spirited driving was involved.

Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class delivered robust performance with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, this setup enabled the C300 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph.

For those seeking more power, the sportier Mercedes-AMG C43 version offered 402 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and a higher top speed. However, the C300's power delivery was sometimes marred by turbo lag and less-than-smooth transmission behavior. Nonetheless, the ride quality remained up to luxury standards, absorbing bumps well, although some vibration was noted.

The C300 showed adept handling on twisty routes, maintaining good body control and precise steering. However, it required more deliberate effort compared to more agile sports sedans, behaving more like a formal sedan pushed into a dynamic role.

Interior comfort had always been a strong point for the Honda Civic, and the redesign for 2022 brought new front seats with better support. In the leather-lined Touring trim, the power driver’s seat offered a perfect driving position, though ventilation was missing. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided excellent support regardless. However, the Civic’s low clearance could make entry and exit challenging for some.

The back seat of the Civic had sufficient legroom, though the backrest angle might have been too reclined for some. Despite the good thigh support, rear passengers missed out on air conditioning vents and heated seats, which were available in previous models. The redesigned center console offered less storage space, but the trunk remained generous at 14.8 cubic feet (or 14.4 cubic feet in the Touring due to the premium sound system). The trunk’s versatility was bolstered by a split-folding back seat.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was longer and wider than its predecessor, translating to more interior space. Headroom increased by 0.1 inch in the front and 0.4 inch in the back, and rear-seat legroom increased by 0.8 inch, making the C-Class one of the leaders in these dimensions for its segment. Front legroom, however, remained at the lower end.

The C-Class offered luxurious seating, combining comfort with enough bolstering for spirited driving. Visibility at the front was excellent, but thick rear pillars created blind spots. Minor interior issues included dashboard glare in direct sunlight and an inconveniently positioned wireless charging pad.

With 17.9 cubic feet of trunk space, the C-Class outclassed its rivals. Its wide trunk opening facilitated easy loading, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench added versatility, though Mercedes didn’t provide cargo space figures with the seats folded.

Honda equipped every 2022 Civic with digital instrumentation, scaling up from a seven-inch display in lower trims to a ten-inch display in the Touring. The larger display offered greater customization and informative features like the Vehicle Activity display, which showed the status of the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, addressing potential visibility issues.

The infotainment system included a standard seven-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The screen design allowed for stable usability while driving. Lower trims came with four or eight speakers, which were limited in quality, whereas the Touring offered a premium 12-speaker Bose system, benefiting from early integration into the car’s design.

Touring trims also included a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and various audio options. The system performed admirably, with only minor slowdowns when the engine started. The voice recognition feature notably marked an improvement from the previous generation.

Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class featured a sophisticated setup inspired by the S-Class, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen angled towards the driver on all trims. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto elevated the base offering, while higher trims added a Burmester 3D system, head-up display, and augmented reality navigation.

The MBUX infotainment system utilized a “Zero Layer” interface, showing functions like audio and phone connectivity as tiles overlaid on the navigation map, reducing the need to scroll through menus. Voice recognition and steering-wheel touch controls offered user-friendly interactions. The optional augmented reality navigation system provided clear guidance with overlaid arrows on a live camera feed, simplifying complex navigation.

Honda’s 2022 Civic significantly upgraded its safety tech. The Honda Sensing package included Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, all enhanced by a new wide-view front camera and eight ultrasonic sensors. The outdated LaneWatch system was replaced with proper blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

Higher trims offered more comprehensive safety features, but crucial systems like blind-spot warning were unavailable in base and Sport trims, which were popular among younger drivers. This oversight was significant, given the clear safety benefits of these features. Structural improvements and new airbags enhanced collision protection, and a rear-seat reminder system was introduced as standard.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class came robustly equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with safe exit assist, driver attention monitor, Pre-Safe pre-collision technologies, and Pre-Safe Sound. Advanced features included adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera, park assist, and Car-to-X communication for enhanced situational awareness.

While crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA weren't available during publication, the previous model's accolades hinted at solid protection. Mercedes’ Car-to-X communication demonstrated its utility in real-world scenarios, reinforcing advanced connectivity between cars.