Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 22 mpg advantage and costs about $1,350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota Corolla leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subcompact Cars · 123 configurations
2015–2027
Toyota Corolla
Compact Cars · 112 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg | 52 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg | 53 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 52 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 | $1,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 215 g/mi | 170 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI | SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd | Automatic (AV-S10), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 123 | 112 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
C-Class vs Corolla: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 22 mpg advantage and costs about $1,350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota Corolla runs about $1,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,550 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class — a difference of roughly $1,350 per year.
What engines do the C-Class and Corolla offer?
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. Toyota Corolla: SIDI & PFI, Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; 1-mode, SIDI & PFI; 3-mode.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as Subcompact Cars and the Toyota Corolla as Compact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More C-Class comparisons
Comparison id: mercedes-benz-c-class-vs-toyota-corolla