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Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2026 Lexus IS vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus IS

2026 Lexus IS

Compact CarsAWD/4WD
VS0 – 4Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins 4 of 4 categories
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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is more fuel-efficient: 30 vs 22 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $3,150 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 15).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,597 lb (4dr Coupe).

Buying used? The 2024 IS and the 2024 CLA-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 IS.

Basics

Compact Cars
Class
Compact Cars
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV, Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
3.5L 6-cyl
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

22 MPG
Best combined MPG
30 MPG
19 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
–
EV range
374 mi
$3,750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$600

Performance & space

311 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
–
185.8 in
Length
184.6 in
72.4 in
Width
72 in
56.3 in
Height
56.3 in
3,913 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,597 lb

Safety & reliability

11
Driver-assist features standard
–
0
Recalls (2026)
0
15
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

28,367
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2015
Year to avoid
–

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus IS if…

It doesn't clearly beat the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class on any measure we track.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (30 vs 22 MPG)
  • You want an EV with more range (374 miles)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 15 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus IS

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

  • Long EV rangeUp to 374 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →