2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$43,995 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia bursts onto the scene with Italian passion, offering a thrilling 280 hp and standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), a true driver's machine boasting 306 lb-ft of torque, promising surgical handling precision. Contrast this kinetic energy with the sleek, modern aesthetics of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which prioritizes efficiency and urban agility, achieving a solid 30 MPG combined versus the Giulia's 27 MPG. The power gulf is significant: the Alfa holds a commanding 59 hp advantage. While the CLA squeaks in with a lower MSRP at $42,750 compared to the Giulia's $43,995, it delivers less outright performance with just 221 hp. Both demand premium unleaded, but the Alfa’s RWD setup and superior output fundamentally separate it from the CLA’s FWD architecture, making the choice between raw athleticism and calculated refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Giulia's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA is marginally longer at 184.6 inches and has a slightly better defined trunk area, making it marginally more practical despite its compact size.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 280 hp and RWD, directly contrasting the CLA's 221 hp and FWD layout.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA presents better value based on the initial price point, starting at $42,750 versus the Giulia's $43,995 MSRP.

Choose the Alfa Romeo Giulia if...

You demand exhilarating acceleration, benefiting from the 59 horsepower advantage over the CLA (280 hp vs 221 hp).
You prefer the dynamic, balanced feel provided by the standard Rear-Wheel Drive architecture.
You seek maximum torque immediately, as the Giulia delivers 306 lb-ft compared to the CLA's 258 lb-ft.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

Prioritizing long-term running costs, you value the superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG.
You prefer a slightly lower entry price point, as the CLA starts at $42,750.
You prefer the handling characteristics associated with Front-Wheel Drive for predictable daily driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Alfa Romeo Giulia	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Giulia and the 2026 CLA?

The difference is substantial; the Alfa Romeo Giulia produces 280 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 59 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which is rated at 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Does the drivetrain affect the driving dynamics of these sedans?

Yes, the Giulia utilizes a performance-oriented Rear-Wheel Drive setup, optimizing weight distribution and steering feel, whereas the CLA uses a Front-Wheel Drive system, which typically enhances traction in slippery conditions but offers less dynamic handling balance.

Which car is more economical for daily city driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is more economical, achieving 26 MPG in the city, slightly edging out the Alfa Romeo Giulia's 24 MPG city rating.

What is the price disparity between the two required premium fuel vehicles?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a lower starting MSRP of $42,750, while the 2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia commands a slightly higher price of $43,995, despite both requiring premium unleaded fuel.

Are the exterior dimensions very different between the two models?

They are similar in size, but the CLA is marginally longer at 184.6 inches versus the Giulia's 182.5 inches, though the Giulia is slightly wider at 73.7 inches compared to the CLA's 72.0 inches.

How do the transmission types differ?

The Giulia uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission focused on smooth, rapid shifts for performance. Conversely, the CLA employs an 8-speed automated manual, which can offer a more direct, connected feel during aggressive driving.