Mercedes-Benz CLA

Name: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The CLA is among Mercedes' most affordable models, but its upscale pretense is only superficial, our testers found.

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This Car

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Mercedes-Benz CLA

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Luxury small cars Ratings

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$42,750 - $67,550

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Acura Integra

$33,400 - $53,400

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2025 Acura TLX

$45,400 - $58,050

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2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

$43,995 - $51,995

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2026 Audi A3

$40,100 - $52,000

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Audi A4

$42,000 - $44,100

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2025 Audi A5

$46,300 - $62,700

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2026 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

$39,600 - $49,500

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2026 BMW 3 Series

$47,500 - $87,700

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2026 Cadillac CT4

$35,600 - $62,700

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2026 Cadillac CT5

$48,600 - $97,600

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$43,450 - $55,600

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2026 Lexus IS

$40,535 - $64,020

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2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$49,650 - $88,000

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2025 Volvo S60

$42,600 - $51,000

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CR's
Take

2026 Volvo V60

$52,300 - $57,600

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (221 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (416 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (302 hp)

8-speed sequential

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Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 4 years/50,000 miles
Roadside Aid 4 years/50,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The Mercedes-Benz CLA fits above the A-Class and below the C-Class in Mercedes' sedan lineup. It's essentially a more stylish version of the A-Class, but it uses a more powerful 221-hp version of the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Like the A220, it has a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration feels a bit hesitant in around-town driving, but there's decent power. Handling is quite nimble, but the ride is overly stiff. The interior is nicely finished and the front seats are supportive, but the rear seat is extremely cramped and hard to access. We found infotainment system quite tricky to use. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard. Blind spot warning became standard starting in 2021. A fully redesigned 2026 CLA compact sedan will be offered in both electric and hybrid versions. The turbocharged four-cylinder from the previous generation will be sold at the same time.

2014-2019

2014 Redesign Year

The sleek and compact CLA250 is Mercedes' entry-level, front-drive, compact, four-door coupe. It has a nicely-finished cabin and fuel economy of 28 mpg is respectable. But the driving experience falls well short of a typical Mercedes. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed automatic lack refinement. It's quick, but power delivery is uneven. While fairly agile, the car rides stiffly. The cabin is noisy and cramped, especially in the rear, the view out is seriously impaired, and access is difficult both front and rear. Standard features include power front seats with memory, Bluetooth, forward-collision warning and a folding rear seat. The optional blind-spot monitoring system is an easy choice, as is the backup camera. All-wheel drive is also optional. The high-performance, 355-hp CLA45 tops the range. The 2016 models got an upgraded infotainment system with a larger standard screen and media interface capability,as well as standard dual-zone automatic climate control and keyless start.