2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$45,400 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the 5 MPG advantage the CLA holds in combined fuel economy (30 MPG vs. the TLX's 25 MPG). This efficiency gap is notable given the power difference, as the TLX produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Pricewise, the CLA starts $2,650 lower at $42,750 compared to the TLX’s $45,400 MSRP. Although the TLX is physically longer at 194.6 inches versus 184.6 inches, the Mercedes offers slightly less cargo space at 11.6 cu ft compared to the Acura’s 13.5 cu ft. The TLX uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, factors influencing the driving experience for performance-oriented buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the superior choice for commuters due to its 5 MPG higher combined fuel efficiency (30 MPG vs. 25 MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Acura TLX

The 2025 Acura TLX offers more practical utility with 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura TLX

The Acura TLX provides a substantial power advantage, generating 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the CLA's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA starts at a lower MSRP of $42,750 while delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the Acura TLX if...

You prioritize maximizing engine output, as the TLX delivers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
You require more usable storage space, evidenced by the TLX's 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the operational characteristics of a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an 8-speed automated manual.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

Achieving maximum fuel efficiency is critical, with the CLA offering 30 combined MPG.
You are seeking the lower initial purchase price point at $42,750 MSRP.
Your driving preference leans towards the smaller exterior dimensions, being 10 inches shorter in length (184.6 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura TLX	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

What is the exact difference in power output between the two sedans?

The 2025 Acura TLX produces 272 horsepower, which is 51 horsepower more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's output of 221 horsepower. This translates directly to superior acceleration metrics for the TLX.

Is the fuel requirement the same for both vehicles?

No, both vehicles recommend or require premium unleaded fuel, but the CLA mandates it while the TLX lists it as recommended. The CLA achieves 30 combined MPG versus the TLX's 25 combined MPG.

How much more expensive is the Acura TLX compared to the Mercedes CLA?

The 2025 Acura TLX has an MSRP of $45,400, positioning it $2,650 higher than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's starting price of $42,750.

Which sedan offers better practicality for hauling luggage?

The Acura TLX provides more cargo volume, measuring 13.5 cubic feet. The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a slightly tighter space at 11.6 cubic feet.

Are there significant differences in their transmission types?

Yes, the TLX utilizes a more complex 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the CLA features an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which can influence shift feel and engagement.

How do the physical exterior dimensions compare?

The TLX is noticeably longer, measuring 194.6 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, giving it a 10-inch length advantage. Both vehicles maintain similar heights at approximately 56.5 inches.