Hyundai SONATA vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SONATA and Mercedes-Benz C-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai SONATA and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
When comparing the Hyundai SONATA's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SONATA's and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Pricing: A used 2025 Hyundai SONATA ranges from $22,497 to $32,850 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is priced between $41,991 to $59,895. For a new model, the Hyundai SONATA's price is between $27,032 and $37,177, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class priced between $50,050 and $69,405.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SONATA loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SONATA retains 6.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 8.1 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class' quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 7.1 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SONATA’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SONATA, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room. The Hyundai SONATA and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Hyundai SONATA and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27032 - 37177
Starting MSRP:
26900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
26816
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
24700 - 28295
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
50050 - 69405
Starting MSRP:
48450
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
49451
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33000 - 79900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26826
Price Range:
22497 - 32850
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
27493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
25110 - 29237
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49306
Price Range:
41991 - 59895
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
51959
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
34107 - 95081
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
0.43738499
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
0.35336067 - 0.49749174
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
25580
Depreciation %:
0.527976
Resale Value $:
22870
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.51356376
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.34749831 - 0.55942423
Hyundai SONATA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SONATA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
7.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
7.8 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.036
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 20.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.08
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.266539227374178
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.6 - 7.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7721588118427967
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.5 - 10.4
Hyundai SONATA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Mercedes-Benz C-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Hyundai SONATA Trim Levels
N Line, SE, SEL, SEL Convenience
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels
AMG C 43, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 35 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
435 / 609 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
46.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
Not yet available
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
193.3 inches
Wheelbase:
111.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Abyss Black Pearl
Blue
Carbon Blue Pearl / Transmission Blue Pearl
Gray
Portofino Gray Metallic
Red
Ultimate Red Metallic
Silver
Aero Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Starling Blue Metallic / Twilight Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Dark Gray
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Neva Grey
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Brown
Sienna Brown / Sienna Brown/Black
Red
Power Red/Black
