2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

In 2022, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class donned its elegant and sleek attire, staying true to the transformation it had undergone in the previous year. The model carried forward the design ethos that had made the 2021 S-Class spectacular, from the hallmark Mercedes-Benz grille to the stately star hood ornament.

The roots of the S-Class traced back to the 1954 “Ponton” full-size 220S and 220SE models. The first official S-Class emerged in 1972 with the W116 model series, and the latest iteration, code-named "W223," represented the seventh generation. As Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, the S-Class had a legacy of rotating the quintessential symbol of luxury on wheels, showcasing ample cabin space and top-of-the-line materials.

Characterized by a long and low profile, the exterior of the 2022 S-Class radiated sophistication. The distance between the front axle and the dashboard—a key metric of elegance in automotive design—was notably extended. This sleek design could have almost slipped into an Audi lineup were it not for the iconic Mercedes-Benz grille and ornament.

Inside, the cabin was a sanctuary of luxury. The dashboard featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim that cascaded down to meet a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack, while a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel resided behind the steering wheel. High-quality materials enveloped the interior, fitting and finishing meticulously, creating an opulent and serene environment for all passengers.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid presented a contrasting yet charming aesthetic. Coming six years after the eighth-generation Camry launched in 2018, the styling started to become familiar. The 2023 lineup and the new Reservoir Blue paint coupled with the Nightshade Edition’s matte-bronze 19-inch wheels provided a refreshing take.

The Nightshade Edition, available only with SE trim, featured several distinct elements: black-trimmed headlights and taillights, a TRD mesh grille, black side mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and black badges. Color options included Reservoir Blue, Ice Cap, and Midnight Black.

Inside, while Toyota touted impeccable fit and finish, the reality was a bit more disparate. The SE-spec interior remained unchanged for over five years, and though functional, it featured several plastic elements that felt cheap. The license plate and doors rattled upon shutting, and road noise permeated into the cabin, leading to a less-than-substantial feel.

Despite starting at just over $29,000, with the top trim and options pushing the cost up to $35,000, the Camry Hybrid provided reasonable value for money. Our SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition, priced at $32,983, came with optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and other helpful features, though some elements of the fit and finish were less than premium.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shined in performance, catering equally to executives with drivers and ardent enthusiasts. The S500 model housed a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine, delivering 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system seamlessly provided an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque during high-demand situations. A nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) ensured performance agility.

The S580 upped the ante with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, continuing to benefit from the EQ Boost system. Both models’ powerful engines propelled these heavy sedans (weighing nearly 4,775 pounds) with ease— the S500 accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the S580 achieved it in just 4.4 seconds. Despite its mass, the S-Class maintained composure on the roads, demonstrating flat, predictable handling and immediate braking.

On FWD, the S500 offered an estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (24 mpg combined), and the S580 provided 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (19 mpg combined). The 22.2-gallon fuel tank supported long, uninterrupted journeys, perfect for both work and pleasure drives.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered versatility across three powertrains. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine yielded 202-206 horsepower, coupled with FWD or AWD on non-hybrid models. The V6 variants added muscle with 301 horsepower, though available only with FWD.

Our test car featured a hybrid powertrain, quietly slipping through daily tasks with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, generating 208 horsepower. The simulated continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided FWD, while sportier SE and XSE trims included paddle shifters and Eco, Normal, EV, and Sport driving modes.

Despite Toyota’s claims, fuel economy disappointed. The EPA estimated 46 mpg combined, but test results averaged only 33.4 mpg—a significant shortfall. However, the hybrid torque lent agility to the car, making it feel responsive during acceleration. The ride, aided by sport-tuned suspension, offered compliant yet engaging handling.

Sensitive stability control during cornering was a minor setback, but overall, for fans of Camry, the Hybrid SE Nightshade exhibited enough prowess to satisfy daily driving demands, though with noted room for better fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, acting as an executive sedan, seamlessly blended style with functionality. It oozed luxury from its enhanced interiors to thoughtful features. Second-row passengers reveled in powered sun blinds for privacy and a Panorama Sunroof for an open-air feeling. Storage was equally posh, with a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk lined with lush carpet, accommodating travel essentials.

Multicontour seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features enhanced comfort, with extensive memory settings providing a customized fit for every occupant. The inclusion of six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply catered to the connectivity needs of modern passengers. The Executive Line and Luxury Line packages offered indulgent additions like heated armrests, rear-seat heating, and the ultimate rear-seat entertainment system.

However, the luxuriousness had its quirks—doors opened so widely that reaching them to close was challenging. Fortunately, the soft-close feature prevented any door-slamming frustration. With a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, the S-Class provided a comprehensive coverage beyond its opulent offerings.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, though less luxurious, focused on simplicity and functionality. Its front seats provided adequate comfort with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, while artificial leather seating materials offered durability.

Back seating proved less spacious, especially compared to generous competitors like the Honda Accord. Additionally, the absence of rear air conditioning vents might have dampened the spirits of rear-seat passengers. Storage solutions were practical, if not extravagant, with the trunk offering 15.1 cubic feet of space—slightly more than the S-Class but average for its class. Practicality ruled here, but features like grab handles for the trunk lid were missing, demonstrating a focus on cost-effective design over opulence.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class teemed with cutting-edge technology. The centerpiece was a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen serving as the interface for the latest MBUX infotainment system. OLED provided exceptional image quality and energy efficiency, with incredibly rich blacks and crisp details. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel, available in a 3D configuration, offered customizable visual themes and enhanced driver alerts.

Standard augmented video for navigation and the optional augmented reality head-up display (HUD) ensured that drivers received clear and precise directions, superimposed onto real-world surroundings. The advanced Burmester 3D Surround sound system elevated audio experiences, with an even more immersive 4D upgrade available.

Powertrain and chassis technology, including EQ Boost and the rear-axle steering system, added to the S-Class’s advanced prowess, showcasing the best in automotive tech.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, while not as technologically loaded, provided essential functionalities effectively. Both the 7-inch and 9-inch touchscreen infotainment systems ensured smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The larger 9-inch screen included a connected navigation system and a JBL premium sound system.

Despite the basic 7-inch unit in the test car, physical knobs and buttons facilitated easy usage, though better ergonomics for the knobs would have benefited the user experience. Available tech like a 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display added to the comprehensive yet practical technological suite in the Camry.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class embodied safety innovation. It featured Magic Vision Control to optimize windshield spray, adjusting the amount according to ambient conditions. Driver assistance mechanisms included adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, and active brake assist among others. Pre-Safe Plus systems prepared the car for unavoidable collisions, ensuring occupant safety. For executives, rear airbags and occupant restraint protection offered additional safety layers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Despite the functionality, the performance of adaptive cruise control and lane-assist systems leaned towards abruptness and sensitivity. The Camry scored commendably in crash tests, retaining five-star ratings with NHTSA and attaining a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. However, unexpected ratings drop in side-impact crash tests hinted at potential future revisions in safety rankings.