2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between entry-level luxury sedans can be tough, especially when facing a nearly $10,000 price gap. The 2025 Cadillac CT4 kicks things off at a significantly lower MSRP of $34,995 compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at $44,400. While the Cadillac offers slightly more power, boasting 237 hp versus the CLA’s 221 hp, the trade-off involves fuel economy. The CLA pulls ahead in efficiency, achieving a Combined MPG of 30, while the CT4 delivers 26 MPG combined. For city driving, the CLA's 26 MPG beats the CT4's 22 MPG, though both require premium fuel. The CLA also edges out the Cadillac slightly in physical size, being marginally wider at 72.0 inches versus 71.4 inches, and offers a fraction more cargo space at 11.6 cu ft compared to 10.7 cu ft. These numbers highlight a clear split between initial cost savings and long-term running refinement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CT4's 26 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA offers slightly more utility with a larger 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.
2025 Cadillac CT4
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Cadillac CT4 for its higher output of 237 horsepower compared to the CLA's 221 hp.
2025 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 offers undeniable value with an MSRP $9,405 lower than the CLA while providing comparable torque.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- You want to save substantially on the initial purchase, with an MSRP of $34,995.
- You prioritize outright horsepower, as the CT4 delivers 237 hp compared to 221 hp in the CLA.
- You prefer the traditional driving dynamics associated with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD).
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the CLA returns a higher 30 MPG combined rating.
- You desire a slightly more premium experience reflected in the $44,400 price tag.
- You need marginally more passenger or cargo room, as the CLA has 11.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.0" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/32 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 374.0/544.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.5 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.9 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | P225/45R17 | 225/45R18 |
| Tire Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
How much cheaper is the 2025 Cadillac CT4 upfront compared to the CLA?
The 2025 Cadillac CT4 starts at an MSRP of $34,995, making it $9,405 less expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which begins at $44,400.
Which car is more efficient for highway driving?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is notably more efficient, achieving 36 MPG highway versus the Cadillac CT4's 32 MPG highway rating, despite both requiring premium fuel.
Does the Cadillac CT4 or the Mercedes CLA have more engine power?
The Cadillac CT4 is the more powerful option, generating 237 hp, whereas the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is rated at 221 hp, though both models deliver the same 258 lb-ft of torque.
What is the main difference in drivetrain configuration?
The Cadillac CT4 comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class utilizes a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Are the sizes of these two sedans significantly different?
They are similar in footprint; the CLA is slightly longer (184.6 inches vs 187.2 inches for the CT4) but wider (72.0 inches vs 71.4 inches for the CT4) and slightly taller.
Is the premium fuel requirement the same for both cars?
Yes, both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel. However, the CT4 recommends it, while the CLA explicitly requires it for operation.
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