2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Stuck between choosing a classic American muscle icon or a sleek German entry-luxury sedan? The 2025 Ford Mustang starts at a compelling MSRP of $31,920, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by a significant $12,480. Performance clearly favors the Mustang, boasting 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, crushing the CLA’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, practicality leans toward the Benz; the CLA achieves a combined 30 MPG compared to the Mustang’s 26 MPG, offering better efficiency for daily driving. While the Mustang is longer at 189.4 inches, the CLA compensates slightly with better headroom due to its 56.7-inch height versus the Mustang's 55.0 inches. For raw power per dollar, the Mustang dominates, but for fuel-conscious daily commuting, the CLA presents a more sensible option.
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 Mustang's 26 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Despite having less cargo space (11.6 cu ft vs 13.5 cu ft), the CLA's sedan layout and slightly taller height often offer more accommodating rear passenger entry and space than the Mustang's coupe design.
2025 Ford Mustang
The 2025 Ford Mustang is the clear enthusiast choice, delivering a massive 94 horsepower advantage and substantially more torque at 350 lb-ft.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang offers significantly higher performance metrics for a starting price that is $12,480 less than the CLA-Class.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You prioritize raw power, evidenced by the Mustang's 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- Budget is a major concern, as the Mustang starts nearly $12,500 cheaper than the CLA-Class.
- You prefer the traditional driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Fuel savings are important to you, as the CLA achieves 30 MPG combined versus 26 MPG for the Mustang.
- You prefer a smaller overall footprint in the city, with the CLA being 184.6 inches long versus the Mustang's 189.4 inches.
- You require slightly better visibility and a more conventional four-door sedan experience for passengers.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 75.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 55.0" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/33 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 352.0/528.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 10.25 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.5 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.9 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.0 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/50R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Mustang than the CLA-Class?
The 2025 Ford Mustang significantly outperforms the CLA-Class in power, offering 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLA’s 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 94 hp difference favoring the Mustang.
Which vehicle is cheaper to fuel regularly?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined, whereas the Mustang manages 26 MPG combined. Although both recommend premium fuel, the CLA's higher efficiency means fewer trips to the pump.
Is the Mustang’s RWD setup better than the CLA’s FWD for daily driving?
Generally, the CLA's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) offers more predictable handling in slippery conditions, which is beneficial for commuters. Conversely, the Mustang’s Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) is preferred by driving enthusiasts for its balanced feel and performance characteristics.
Which car has better cargo capacity?
The 2025 Ford Mustang technically offers more cargo room with 13.5 cubic feet available compared to the 11.6 cubic feet found in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. However, the Mustang is a coupe, so loading larger items might be tricky compared to the sedan access of the CLA.
What is the cost savings between the two base models?
There is a substantial difference in entry price; the 2025 Ford Mustang starts at $31,920, while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class begins at $44,400. This means saving $12,480 by opting for the Mustang.
Do the size differences affect daily usability?
The Mustang is slightly longer at 189.4 inches, which might impact tight parking situations. However, the CLA is slightly taller at 56.7 inches, which could provide a more upright seating position for passengers.
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