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.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
From dealers near you
 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class#5 in Luxury Small Sedans |  2021 Acura ILX |  2021 BMW 2-SeriesGet Your Price |  2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class#3 in Luxury Small SUVs |  2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class#5 in Luxury Small Sedans Get Your Price |  2020 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
|
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a stylish little sedan with plenty of personality and a hefty price tag. |
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 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is the smallest and least expensive SUV in its lineup, and a welcome entry to the brand. |
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 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 Hwy | 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 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 | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Small SUV 2WD | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| CLA 250 Coupe | Sedan | 228i Gran Coupe | GLA 250 SUV | A 220 Sedan | Premium 40 TFSI |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front 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 | Sport Utility | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Acura ILX | 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 BMW 2-Series | 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class | 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz A Class | 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2020 Audi A3 | |
Related Head to Head
