2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. Its Competition

2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class image
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

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.

2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class image2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class
Browse Used Listings		2021 Acura ILX image2021 Acura ILX
Browse Used Listings		2021 BMW 2-Series image2021 BMW 2-Series
Browse Used Listings		2021 Lexus IS image2021 Lexus IS
Browse Used Listings		2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class image2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class
Browse Used Listings		2020 Audi A3 image2020 Audi A3
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
6.6
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.
4.7
The 2021 Acura ILX is cheap for a luxury badge, but it’s not especially luxurious.
6.0
No matter the flavor, the 2021 BMW 2-Series lineup offers plenty of appeal—if not so much back-seat room.
6.2
The 2021 Lexus IS doesn’t gain any ground on the more performance-oriented compact sedans, but it’s priced right.
6.6
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a stylish little sedan with plenty of personality and a hefty price tag.
6.7
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$39,050$37,850$33,300
Gas Mileage     
22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy19 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Subcompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Style Name     
A 220 SedanSedan228i Gran CoupeIS 300 RWDCLA 250 CoupePremium 40 TFSI
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
Auto-Shift Manual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Acura ILX2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 BMW 2-Series2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Lexus IS2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class vs. 2020 Audi A3