Lexus IS 300 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus IS 300 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 Lexus IS 300 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

When we compare the Lexus IS 300's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and reliability. Based on this comparison of the Lexus IS 300's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Pricing: A used 2025 Lexus IS 300 ranges from $37,646 to $47,521 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $36,888 to $54,096. For a new model, the Lexus IS 300's price is between $43,723 and $60,434, 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 Lexus IS 300 loses 41.3 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 300 retains 5.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 3 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 Lexus IS 300 is 7.6 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLA the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus IS 300.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus IS 300’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 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 Lexus IS 300 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus IS 300, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room and rear head room. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Lexus IS 300 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.