2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. Its Competition

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (CLA250 4MATIC)
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

The CLA’s fiercest rival—outside its own showroom, at least—is the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe.

The Benz has a broader lineup and prettier styling, plus more available tech inside.

The Acura ILX has a high-end badge, but it’s more econo-car than luxury sedan inside.

Audi is readying a new A3, so you may want to wait to see how it turns out before buying something.

The Mercedes A-Class isn’t that much less stylish, but it’s more spacious and cheaper, while the similarly-priced GLA-Class has more cargo space and a higher seating position.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (CLA250 4MATIC)2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class
2021 Acura ILX2021 Acura ILX
2021 BMW 2-Series Competition Coupe Side Exterior View2021 BMW 2-Series
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 2502021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class
2020 Audi A32020 Audi A3
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Quick Specs
6.6
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a stylish little sedan with plenty of personality and a hefty price tag.
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.
6.8
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the smallest and least expensive SUV in its lineup, and a welcome entry to the brand.
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.
6.7
The 2020 Audi A3 is a well-equipped entry-level compact sedan that delivers more substance than flash.
MSRP From     
$37,850$26,100$35,700$36,230$33,650$33,300
Gas Mileage     
20 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 36 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     
Compact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsSmall SUV 2WDSubcompact CarsSubcompact Cars
Style Name     
CLA 250 CoupeSedan228i Gran CoupeGLA 250 SUVA 220 SedanPremium 40 TFSI
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSport UtilitySedanSedan
Transmission     
Auto-Shift Manual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Acura ILX2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 BMW 2-Series2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2020 Audi A3