2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$34,995 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 arrives as a potent, RWD American contender, offering a spirited 237 hp from its turbocharged engine and maintaining a competitive edge with an MSRP of $34,995. Contrast this with the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which presents a sophisticated, FWD package, boasting superior efficiency at 30 combined MPG versus the CT4's 26 MPG. The CLA commands a premium, retailing for $42,750, a difference of $7,755 compared to the Cadillac. While the CT4 packs slightly more horsepower (237 hp vs. 221 hp in the CLA) and runs on recommended premium fuel, the Mercedes counters with better fuel economy figures, achieving 36 highway MPG compared to the Cadillac's 32 highway MPG. Both vehicles are close in dimensions, though the CLA offers slightly more passenger volume flair in its compact 184.6-inch length, while the CT4 offers marginally more torque at 258 lb-ft, shared by both.

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 combined MPG versus the CT4's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA offers slightly better cargo capacity at 11.6 cu ft compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft, making it fractionally more practical for small families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac CT4

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 appeals more to driving enthusiasts because its standard Rear-Wheel Drive platform generally offers a more engaging dynamic experience than the CLA's Front-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 presents significantly better value, starting at $34,995, which is $7,755 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLA's $42,750 entry price.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You prioritize an engaging, traditional RWD driving dynamic over FWD efficiency.
Budget is a primary concern, as the CT4 undercuts the CLA by $7,755.
You prefer slightly more outright power, with the CT4 offering 237 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

Maximum fuel efficiency is crucial, highlighted by the CLA’s 30 combined MPG rating.
You value the prestige and contemporary design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
You require the best highway mileage, as the CLA achieves 36 MPG compared to 32 MPG in the CT4.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT4	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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	—	✓
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Which car is faster based on the provided specs?

Based purely on the listed horsepower, the 2025 Cadillac CT4 is quicker, producing 237 hp compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp. Both share the exact same torque figure of 258 lb-ft, but the CT4’s RWD layout and higher power rating suggest a performance edge.

How does the mandatory fuel requirement affect long-term running costs?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA requires premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more than the recommended premium fuel for the Cadillac CT4. However, the CLA's 4 MPG advantage (30 combined vs. 26 combined) might offset the slightly higher cost of the premium required for the Mercedes over extended driving periods.

Is the difference in size noticeable between these two sedans?

The vehicles are very close in exterior size; the CLA is slightly shorter in length at 184.6 inches versus the CT4's 187.2 inches. However, the CLA is slightly wider at 72.0 inches, potentially making interior shoulder room surprisingly similar despite the CT4 being slightly longer overall.

Which car has a better transmission for spirited driving?

Enthusiasts might prefer the Cadillac CT4's 8-speed shiftable automatic, which often implies paddle shifters and more direct driver control, compared to the CLA's 8-speed automated manual, which can sometimes be slower or less intuitive in modern setups.

Is the $7,755 price gap justified by the CLA's extra features?

While the 2026 CLA offers superior fuel economy and slightly more cargo space (11.6 cu ft vs. 10.7 cu ft), the CT4 wins on raw horsepower and price savings. Buyers must weigh if the efficiency and brand prestige of the Mercedes justify the significant $7,755 premium over the already capable Cadillac.