Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

In comparing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Pricing: A used 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $41,991 to $59,895 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $36,888 to $54,096. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's price is between $50,050 and $69,405, 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses 52.5 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 5.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.4 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLA's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 15 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 7.5 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The C-Class is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 609 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Mercedes-Benz CLA are comparable in regards to cargo space.

Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.