2021 Kia K5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,590

MSRP

$43,550

Average price

$27,287

Average price

$54,678

Listings

11

Listings

18
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Sluggish performance

2021 Kia K5 Reviews Summary

Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because North Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Reviews Summary

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new-car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS, and the Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, the Cadillac CT4, and the Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form, and in Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not offered. Our test car was a C300 4Matic with a long list of optional equipment. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.6L 180 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

180 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

27

MPG City

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Kia K5
$23,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
$43,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,590
$43,550
Average price
$27,287
$54,678
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.8
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Sluggish performance
Summary
Sedans are now the most exciting new cars in the mainstream market. They are to crossovers today what craft beer was in the early 2000s. They’re not on every corner anymore because North Americans prefer trucks over cars, but sedans like the 2021 Kia K5 are refreshing to see, surprisingly good to drive, and will make you look cultured and smart without having to try. The K5—and its new name—replaces the Optima and upgrades nearly everything in the pursuit of style and performance. It’s one of the best midsize sedans out there.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new-car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS, and the Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, the Cadillac CT4, and the Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form, and in Canada, 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard while rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not offered. Our test car was a C300 4Matic with a long list of optional equipment. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.6L 180 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
180 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
27
MPG Highway
37
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