DecodedCarsMercedes-Benz CLA-Class
14 model years from 2014 to 2027, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2014–2027
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Latest engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 28–33 combined, by year
- EV range
- up to 374 mi
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns, all years
- Fewest problems
- 2023
The 2026 CLA-Class in brief
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).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway), 3% better than the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG, for an estimated $600 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 374 miles and takes about 8.75 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has 14 model years in our data, from 2014 to 2027.
Its most efficient year was 2027 at 33 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 28 to 33 MPG.
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data.
How the 2014 CLA-Class compares
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,263 lb (Cla250).
2026 CLA-Class pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- 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
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 CLA-Class
0 owner complaints · 0 recalls
None of the 10 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
CLA-Class changes by model year
- 2027
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +2.3 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 33
- 2026
- New all-electric version
- 2024
- New hybrid version
- 2020
- New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 14 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | 33 MPG | 185.8 in | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 28 MPG | 184.6 in | 4,597 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 29 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 30 MPG | 182.3 in | 3,263 lb | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Alternatives to the 2026 CLA-Class
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Audi A3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →