2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is fuel economy, with the CLA-Class achieving 30 combined MPG versus the CT5's 26 combined MPG, a 4 MPG advantage. Pricewise, the CT5 commands a higher MSRP of $47,595 compared to the CLA-Class's $44,400, a $3,195 difference. Performance specifications show the CT5 outputting a greater 237 horsepower against the CLA’s 221 horsepower, though torque is identical at 258 lb-ft. The CT5 is substantially longer, measuring 193.8 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, resulting in marginally better cargo space at 11.9 cu ft versus 11.6 cu ft. Drive layouts differ significantly, with the CT5 employing RWD while the CLA utilizes FWD, affecting handling characteristics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the CT5's 26 MPG.
2025 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 offers slightly more interior volume with a 193.8-inch length and 11.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA-Class.
2025 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 provides more power with 237 horsepower compared to the CLA-Class's 221 horsepower.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts at a lower MSRP of $44,400, representing better upfront value against the CT5's $47,595.
Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...
- You prioritize raw horsepower, as the CT5 delivers 237 hp versus the CLA-Class's 221 hp.
- You prefer the dynamics of a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform.
- You require the slightly larger exterior dimensions of a 193.8-inch sedan.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by the CLA-Class achieving 32 MPG on the highway versus the CT5's 32 MPG (2 MPG better highway efficiency).
- You are optimizing for the lower initial purchase price of $44,400.
- You prefer the traction characteristics of a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT5 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.8" | 184.6" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.0" |
| Height | 57.2" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 116.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 10-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) | 23/32 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.0/544.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 33.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | AKG | — |
| Speaker System | 15 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 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 CT5 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and the CLA-Class?
The Cadillac CT5 produces more peak power, achieving 237 horsepower compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 221 horsepower. Both vehicles share the exact same torque output of 258 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is notably more efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Cadillac CT5 is rated at 26 combined MPG (23 city/32 highway).
Which sedan is larger overall?
The Cadillac CT5 is the larger vehicle, measuring 193.8 inches in length and 74.1 inches in width. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is shorter at 184.6 inches in length and 72.0 inches wide.
Does the difference in MSRP warrant the performance gap?
The Cadillac CT5 costs $3,195 more at $47,595 compared to the CLA-Class at $44,400. Buyers must determine if the extra 16 horsepower and RWD layout justify the higher premium over the more economical CLA.
How do the transmissions compare in these two models?
The CT5 utilizes a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the CLA-Class employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Are the cargo capacities significantly different?
The difference in cargo capacity is minimal, with the CT5 offering 11.9 cu ft and the CLA-Class offering 11.6 cu ft. This 0.3 cu ft advantage suggests negligible practical separation for hauling groceries or small luggage.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool