Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Mercedes-Benz GLA 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 CLA and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
When we compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the area of resale value. The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz CLA and Mercedes-Benz GLA have the same overall quality score base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Pricing: For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz CLA's price is between $45,710 and $58,975, with the Mercedes-Benz GLA priced between $43,420 and $54,540.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 48.2 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 1.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Mercedes-Benz GLA is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 12 out of 35 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz GLA the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz GLA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Mercedes-Benz GLA makes 221 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz GLA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, 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 area of front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45710 - 58975
Starting MSRP:
42750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
60930
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
41700 - 102100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
43420 - 54540
Starting MSRP:
41500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
40750
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
26100 - 49900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50037
Price Range:
47130 - 52398
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
45657
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
29166 - 57767
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.09
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz GLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.064
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
16 out of / 35Ranking
18 out of / 35Ranking
21 out of / 35Ranking
23 out of / 35Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 70Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 62Ranking
11 out of / 70Ranking
16 out of / 70Ranking
21 out of / 70Ranking
25 out of / 70Ranking
38 out of / 70Ranking
42 out of / 70Ranking
44 out of / 70Ranking
54 out of / 70Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
50.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3494 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
184.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
173.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Polar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
Polar White
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Sage Grey/Black / Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown / Bahia Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Sage Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
