2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$43,995 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class boils down to prioritizing raw excitement versus refined efficiency in the entry-level luxury segment. The Giulia hits the asphalt with 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the CLA-Class's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, this power comes at a slight efficiency cost, with the Giulia netting a combined 27 MPG versus the CLA-Class achieving 30 combined MPG. The Giulia, priced slightly lower at $43,995 compared to the Mercedes' $44,400, offers traditional rear-wheel drive dynamics, appealing to driving purists. Conversely, the CLA-Class utilizes front-wheel drive and boasts superior fuel economy figures on the highway (36 MPG vs. the Giulia’s 33 MPG), making it the more sensible choice for long-distance, daily driving needs while still offering luxury appeal.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG versus the Giulia's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Although both are compact sedans, the CLA-Class includes specified cargo capacity information (11.6 cu ft) suggesting a slightly more practical layout for light family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia offers 59 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 221 hp) and utilizes a RWD platform for a more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers superior performance metrics for a lower starting price of $43,995 compared to the CLA-Class at $44,400.

Choose the Alfa Romeo Giulia if...

You demand significantly higher performance, thanks to its 280 hp engine.
You prefer the dynamics and feel of a traditional rear-wheel drive setup.
You want the best outright power for the dollar, with an MSRP of $43,995.

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

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, highlighted by its 36 MPG highway rating.
You prioritize front-wheel drive traction for predictable handling in varied conditions.
You prefer slightly smaller exterior dimensions for easier city parking (184.6 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	182.5"	184.6"
Width	73.7"	72.0"
Height	56.5"	56.7"
Wheelbase	111.0"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Alfa Romeo	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	280 hp @ 5200 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	306 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	367.2/504.9 mi.	351.0/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Alfa Romeo	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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	6 months
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.6 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-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	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.1 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	✓
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Alfa Romeo	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia than the CLA-Class?

The Alfa Romeo Giulia holds a substantial advantage in output, producing 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is rated at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving the Giulia 59 more horsepower.

Which sedan will cost less at the pump over time?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Giulia returns 27 combined MPG (24 city/33 highway), meaning the Mercedes will require fewer premium unleaded fuel stops.

Does the drivetrain difference affect daily driving?

Yes, the Giulia uses rear-wheel drive (RWD) which is favored by enthusiasts for balanced handling, while the CLA-Class uses front-wheel drive (FWD) which often provides more predictable grip in low-traction scenarios for the average driver.

Is there a significant price difference between the two entry-level luxury sedans?

The pricing is very close, with the 2025 Giulia starting at $43,995. The 2025 CLA-Class starts slightly higher at $44,400, meaning the Giulia undercuts the Mercedes by $405 while offering more power.

How do their physical sizes compare?

The two cars are dimensionally similar, though the CLA-Class is slightly longer at 184.6 inches compared to the Giulia’s 182.5 inches. The Giulia is slightly wider at 73.7 inches versus the CLA-Class's 72.0 inches.

What is the significance of the different transmissions?

The Giulia uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering smooth, conventional gear changes. The CLA-Class uses an 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes feel different during low-speed shifts compared to the Giulia’s setup.