Honda HR-V vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2022) against 4 stars (2022), both tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, against 5 on the Honda HR-V.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda HR-V stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda HR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Honda HR-V and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Drivetrain

The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 89kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 406mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 304L in the Honda HR-V and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 151L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda HR-V's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.0 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda HR-V costs about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $200 a year less for the Honda HR-V.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda HR-V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda HR-V), no data (Mercedes-Benz C-Class).

Where each one leads

The Honda HR-V: lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,767 a year against $1,967).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class: more power (150kW against 89kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (455L against 304L).

The Verdict

Level at 74: here's what splits them

The Honda HR-V and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are level on the CarSorted Score at 74 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 21 points), value (Honda HR-V ahead by 17 points), safety (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 14 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda HR-V costs about $200 less (6.2 L/100km against 6.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 304L in the Honda HR-V, 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Common questions