2022 Honda Civic vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in familiar trims such as LX, EX, Sport, and Touring, with prices in Canada starting at $24,465 for the LX and reaching $30,265 for the Touring, excluding destination charges. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, offered a refined interior with minimalistic controls and improved materials, particularly in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a sophisticated cabin ambiance.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its sleek and elegant design from the previous year’s complete makeover. As Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan, the S-Class continued to embody luxury and sophistication, with a long, low profile that exuded elegance. The exterior design was characterized by a significant distance between the front axle and the dashboard, enhancing its graceful appearance. Inside, the S-Class boasted a waterfall of open-pore wood trim and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the centre stack, complemented by a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, meticulously fitted to create a serene and luxurious environment.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim, however, came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine, delivering 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), with different CVTs for each engine. The Civic’s Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing the car’s responsiveness. The Civic’s handling was agile and enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. However, during a 150-kilometre test drive, the Civic Touring returned a fuel efficiency of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the estimated 6.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, available in S500 and S580 models, featured advanced powertrains with EQ Boost technology. The S500 was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by an electric motor providing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The S580 boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD. Despite their weight, the S-Class models were quick, with the S500 accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the S580 in 4.4 seconds. The S-Class offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with fuel consumption rated at 11.4 L/100 km city/8.0 highway/9.9 combined for the S500 and 14.3 L/100 km city/9.5 highway/12.2 combined for the S580.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering improved support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, power-adjustable front seats with heating, though ventilation was absent. The rear seats provided ample legroom, but the backrest angle might have felt too reclined for some. The Civic’s interior redesign included a new centre console with less storage space but more accessible cupholders. Trunk volume was generous at 419 litres, or 408 litres for the Touring trim due to premium sound system components. The split-folding backseat added utility, and a small handle inside the trunk lid facilitated closing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in luxury and comfort, offering a spacious and serene cabin. Second-row passengers enjoyed powered sun blinds and a Panorama Sunroof. The trunk provided 510 litres of carpeted storage space. The cabin featured six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply in the second row. The front seats offered rapid-heating, active multicontour adjustments, and optional ventilation and massaging functions. The Executive Rear Seating package, exclusive to the S580, catered to chauffeured passengers with a 43-degree recline, power calf rest, and rear controls. The S-Class’s doors opened wide, but soft-close functionality prevented slamming.

The 2022 Honda Civic came equipped with digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering greater customization and driving environment data. The Vehicle Activity display provided visual cues for headlight and signal status. The Civic’s infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a navigation system. Despite a slow load time, the system performed well, particularly in voice recognition.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcased cutting-edge technology with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen for the MBUX infotainment system, offering superior image quality and energy efficiency. The 12.3-inch LED virtual instrument panel provided customizable themes, with an optional 3D instrument cluster adding depth. The augmented video for navigation and available augmented reality head-up display enhanced driving assistance. The standard Burmester 3D Surround sound system delivered high-fidelity audio, with an optional 4D system adding headrest speakers. The S-Class also featured EQ Boost technology and rear-axle steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors improved system performance. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The car’s architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs offered improved head protection. A rear-seat reminder system was standard.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with advanced safety features, including Magic Vision Control for optimized windshield spray. Driver assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, active steering and lane-change assist, active brake assist, and active blind-spot assist. The Pre-Safe systems prepared the car for imminent collisions. The S-Class also offered rear-passenger airbags and a rear-seat belt bag for added safety.