Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Kia Optima
Overview | |
Years produced1993-Present | Years produced2001-2020 |
MSRP$43,550 | MSRP$22,900 |
Average price$31,825 | Average price$13,506 |
Listings1391 | Listings249 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
| |
Reviews SummaryThe 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. | |
Reviews Summary | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine | Engine2.4L 185 hp I4 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.4L 185 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower185 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.6 cu ft | Cargo Space15.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3825 lbs | Curb Weight3230 lbs |
Height56.6 in | Height57.7 in |
Length187.0 in | Length191.1 in |
Width80.0 in | Width73.2 in |
Wheelbase112.8 in | Wheelbase110.4 in |
Maximum Payload1202 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1993-Present | 2001-2020 |
MSRP | $43,550 | $22,900 |
Average price | $31,825 | $13,506 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
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. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 185 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | FWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
MPG City | 24 | |
MPG Highway | 33 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.4L 185 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 185 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | |
MPG Highway | 33 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.6 cu ft | 15.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3825 lbs | 3230 lbs |
Height | 56.6 in | 57.7 in |
Length | 187.0 in | 191.1 in |
Width | 80.0 in | 73.2 in |
Wheelbase | 112.8 in | 110.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1202 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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