DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Coupe, Amg Cla 35 4dr Coupe, Amg Cla 45 4dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Curb weight
- 4,597–4,729 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 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 29 MPG combined (25 city / 35 highway), 5% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 CLA-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 CLA-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Coupe | 184.6 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,597 lb | 60/40 |
| Amg Cla 35 4dr Coupe | 184.6 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,663 lb | 60/40 |
| Amg Cla 45 4dr Coupe | 184.6 in | 72 in | 56.3 in | 107.5 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,729 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +5% | $2,850 | 306 |
| CLA250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 324 |
| AMG CLA35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 360 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 390 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CLA-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 CLA-Class | 33 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 CLA-Class | 30 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 CLA-Class | 30 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 CLA-Class | 30 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 CLA-Class | 29 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 CLA-Class | 29 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 CLA-Class | 28 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 CLA-Class | 29 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 CLA-Class | 29 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 CLA-Class | 29 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 CLA-Class | 30 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 CLA-Class | 30 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →