2025 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$47,595 · Sedan

$42,750 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial variance between the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the $4,845 difference in MSRP, with the CLA starting at $42,750 against the CT5's $47,595. This price gap is partially justified by the CT5's superior powertrain, offering 237 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp, though both share 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy presents a substantial tradeoff: the CLA achieves 30 MPG combined (26/36 City/Highway), substantially outpacing the CT5's 26 MPG combined (23/32 City/Highway). Furthermore, the CT5 is larger, measuring 193.8 inches long versus the CLA's 184.6 inches. Despite its greater length, the CT5 offers negligibly more cargo space at 11.9 cu ft compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft, emphasizing efficiency and price advantage for the CLA in this direct comparison.

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 combined fuel economy of 30 MPG compared to the CT5's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac CT5

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 is slightly better suited for families due to its 1.2 inches greater width (74.1 in vs 72.0 in) and longer wheelbase implication.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac CT5

The CT5 provides greater outright performance with 237 horsepower, surpassing the CLA's 221 horsepower rating.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA offers a better entry point with a $4,845 lower MSRP and 4 MPG better combined fuel efficiency.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You require the greater power output of 237 horsepower for spirited driving.
Rear-wheel drive performance characteristics are a mandatory configuration.
You prefer the slightly larger exterior dimensions, measuring 193.8 inches in length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...

Maximizing fuel economy is the priority, achieving 36 highway MPG.
You prioritize the lower starting price point of $42,750.
Front-wheel drive configuration is preferred for handling in diverse conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT5	Mercedes-Benz CLA
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.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

What is the primary performance difference between the CT5 and the CLA?

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 generates 237 horsepower, offering a 16 hp advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp output. However, both vehicles provide an identical 258 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel efficiency compare for daily driving?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA demonstrates superior efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined (26 City/36 Highway), while the Cadillac CT5 is rated lower at 26 MPG combined (23 City/32 Highway).

Is the extra cost of the Cadillac CT5 justified by its size?

The CT5 is significantly larger at 193.8 inches long versus the CLA's 184.6 inches and offers only marginally more cargo space (11.9 cu ft vs. 11.6 cu ft), suggesting the size premium is not reflected in utility.

Which car requires the more expensive fuel type?

Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel; however, the CLA explicitly lists it as 'required,' whereas the CT5 states it is only 'recommended,' which could lead to minor operational cost differences.

How do the drive types affect their handling characteristics?

The CT5 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, typically favored for balanced handling, while the CLA utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration, which is generally more economical and suited for predictable road manners.