Audi A4 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz CLA contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

In comparing the Audi A4's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Audi A4 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz CLA have the same Based on this comparison of the Audi A4's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a better car than the Audi A4.

Pricing: A used 2025 Audi A4 ranges from $35,291 to $47,907 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $36,888 to $54,096. For a new model, the Audi A4's price is between $43,191 and $53,047, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $45,500 and $69,572.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A4 loses 55 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 7.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A4.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A4 is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Audi A4 being ranked 10 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 12 out of 35.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.7 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A4’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The A4 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 551 miles. The CLA is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles.This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi A4 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi A4, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Audi A4 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.