The A-Class may be most often shopped against the CLA that sits across the showroom, and for good reason.
You’ll pay more for the CLA and get a lower, sexier roofline.
The choice is up to you.
Audi’s A3 is starting to show its age, but this small sedan does a lot just right, and it shouldn’t be missed.
The BMW 2-Series has chunky looks that may not be for everyone, but there’s no denying the appeal of its lusty turbo-4.
Consider the slightly larger Lexus IS; it won’t cost you much, if anything, more.
And if you’re on a budget but want a warranty, the Acura ILX is cheap luxury—but, truth be told, it’s not very luxurious.
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class#6 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price |  2021 Acura ILX#30 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 BMW 2-SeriesGet Your Price |  2021 Lexus IS#9 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price |  2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class#6 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price |  2020 Audi A3#5 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a cheap way to get into the three-pointed star’s lineup, but it doesn’t skimp on much. |
The 2021 Acura ILX is cheap for a luxury badge, but it’s not especially luxurious. |
No matter the flavor, the 2021 BMW 2-Series lineup offers plenty of appeal—if not so much back-seat room. |
The 2021 Lexus IS doesn’t gain any ground on the more performance-oriented compact sedans, but it’s priced right. |
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a stylish little sedan with plenty of personality and a hefty price tag. |
The 2020 Audi A3 is a well-equipped entry-level compact sedan that delivers more substance than flash. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $33,650 | $26,100 | $35,700 | $39,000 | $37,850 | $33,300 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| A 220 Sedan | Sedan | 228i Gran Coupe | IS 300 RWD | CLA 250 Coupe | Premium 40 TFSI |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Acura ILX | 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 BMW 2-Series | 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Lexus IS | 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class | 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2020 Audi A3 | |
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