2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$45,400 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is fuel economy, where the CLA achieves 30 combined MPG compared to the TLX's 25 combined MPG, a 5 MPG advantage. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of performance; the TLX delivers a substantial 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CLA’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. The TLX also offers a larger physical footprint, measuring 194.6 inches long versus the CLA’s 184.6 inches, translating to a 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity against the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. Priced closely at $45,400 (TLX) and $44,400 (CLA), the comparison pits superior power and space from the TLX against the CLA’s superior efficiency and lower initial cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the TLX's 25 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The TLX is better suited for families because it offers greater cargo volume at 13.5 cu ft compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The TLX appeals more to enthusiasts with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the CLA's 221 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class offers better value by providing a $1,000 lower MSRP ($44,400 vs $45,400) coupled with 5 MPG better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize raw performance, needing the 272 horsepower available in the TLX.
You require more usable space, as the TLX provides 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer a longer vehicle (194.6 inches) for a more substantial road presence and potentially better ride characteristics.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...

Your primary concern is operational cost savings, highlighted by the CLA's 30 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a lower entry price point, with the CLA starting at $44,400.
You value maximum efficiency, demonstrated by the 31 MPG highway rating versus the TLX’s 31 MPG Highway rating (Note: CLA's highway is 36 MPG).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	194.6"	184.6"
Width	75.2"	72.0"
Height	56.4"	56.7"
Wheelbase	113.0"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/31 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	349.8/492.9 mi.	351.0/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
ELS Studio Speakers	✓	—
Speaker System	13	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.2 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.5 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.2 in.	55.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.9 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.0 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.6 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/40R	225/45R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

What is the horsepower gap between the 2025 Acura TLX and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

The 2025 Acura TLX significantly outperforms the CLA-Class in power, delivering 272 horsepower compared to the CLA's 221 horsepower. This difference of 51 hp means the TLX offers substantially quicker acceleration potential.

Which sedan offers better overall fuel economy?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 City/36 Highway). The Acura TLX trails with 25 combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway).

How do the physical dimensions compare between these two sedans?

The TLX is physically larger, measuring 194.6 inches in length compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches. This extra 10 inches in length contributes directly to the TLX's larger 13.5 cu ft cargo area versus the CLA’s 11.6 cu ft.

Are both models the same drivetrain type?

Both standard models utilize a front-wheel-drive layout, but their transmissions differ substantially; the TLX uses a 10-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the CLA employs an 8-speed automated manual.

What is the price difference for the base models?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a slightly lower MSRP at $44,400, making it $1,000 less expensive than the 2025 Acura TLX, which starts at $45,400.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both vehicles require premium gasoline; the TLX recommends it, while the CLA-Class requires it for optimal operation, despite its efficiency advantage.