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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs Tesla Model 3

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Tesla Model 3 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Compact CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 1Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins 4 of 5 categories
Tesla Model 3

2026 Tesla Model 3

Midsize CarsAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $50 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model 3 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 36).

The two cars

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).

The 2026 Tesla Model 3 is a midsize car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,030 lb (4dr Sedan Long Range AWD).

Buying used? The 2024 CLA-Class and the 2017 Model 3 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 Model 3.

Basics

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

Efficiency

30 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
26 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
374 mi
EV range
363 mi
$600
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

–
Seats (most)
5
184.6 in
Length
185.8 in
72 in
Width
72.8 in
56.3 in
Height
56.7 in
4,597 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,805 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
11
0
Recalls (2026)
1
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
36
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
29

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
25,701

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2017
–
Year to avoid
2018

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if…

  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 36 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model 3 if…

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

Pros & cons of each

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.

2026 Tesla Model 3

  • Long EV rangeUp to 363 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model 3 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →