2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic was available in several trim levels, including LX, Sport, EX, and Touring, with prices starting at $21,700 and reaching up to $28,300, excluding destination charges. The Civic Touring, with its extra-cost Morning Mist Blue paint, brought the price to $29,690. The Civic's design was more conservative compared to its predecessor, resembling the larger Accord sedan. Its interior featured a minimalistic approach with improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflecting a more mature aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, with its matte-finish paint and premium features, had a base price of $85,400, reaching nearly $110,000 with options. The E-Class was known for its design purity, with AMG styling and a convertible top enhancing its appeal. Inside, the high-end spec featured luxurious materials, digital displays, and a Burmester audio system, exuding a sense of opulence.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the EX and Touring trims. Both engines were paired with a CVT, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with power delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD. The E53's AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed for a versatile driving experience, from a comfortable cruiser to a performance-oriented machine. The AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system further enhanced its dynamic capabilities.

The 2022 Honda Civic's interior focused on comfort, with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured leather upholstery and a power driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The trunk offered 14.8 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet accommodated four passengers comfortably, with an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The focus was on front-seat comfort, with heated and ventilated seats, a neck-warming Airscarf, and multi-contour seats with massage. The trunk provided 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top up, reduced by half when the top was down.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with a 10-inch display in the Touring trim offering customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, ensuring drivers were aware of their lighting status. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a Bose audio system in the Touring trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted the MBUX infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with multiple interaction methods, including voice control. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi, and an augmented reality navigation system. The Burmester audio system provided an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic came with the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic EX and Touring trims featured a blind-spot warning system, with rear cross-traffic alert added to the Touring. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet had pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist, enhancing the car's safety capabilities.