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

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

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS0 – 2Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins 2 of 2 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 29 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $2,250 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.

The two cars

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb (Amg C43 4matic 4dr Sedan).

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 C-Class and the 2024 CLA-Class have the fewest problems in our data.

Basics

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

Efficiency

29 MPG
Best combined MPG
30 MPG
25 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
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EV range
374 mi
$2,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$600

Performance & space

187 in
Length
184.6 in
71.7 in
Width
72 in
56.7 in
Height
56.3 in
3,693 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,597 lb

Safety & reliability

0
Recalls (2026)
0
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

26,190
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
–

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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 an EV with more range (374 miles)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →