2025 Ford Mustang vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Ford Mustang (Car 1) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA (Car 2) is the $10,830 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Mustang starting at $31,920 versus the CLA's $42,750. Power output heavily favors the Mustang, delivering 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft, a disparity of 94 hp. Conversely, the CLA offers superior fuel economy, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Mustang's 26 MPG combined, which translates to 4 MPG better efficiency for the Mercedes. While the Mustang provides a larger 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, the CLA is slightly taller at 56.7 inches compared to the Mustang's 55.0 inches. The Mustang utilizes a RWD layout with a 10-speed automatic, while the CLA employs FWD paired with an 8-speed automated manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is superior for commuting due to its 30 MPG combined fuel economy rating and front-wheel drive stability.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing slightly more utility than the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang clearly leads in performance specifications, producing 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the CLA's output.
2025 Ford Mustang
The Mustang offers a substantially lower entry price point at $31,920, representing better baseline value compared to the CLA's $42,750 MSRP.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- You prioritize raw power, as the Mustang delivers 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget is constrained, given the Mustang's $10,830 lower starting MSRP of $31,920.
- You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics associated with a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by the CLA’s 30 MPG combined rating (4 MPG better than Car 1).
- You require the predictable traction of a front-wheel-drive system.
- You prefer the slightly taller ride height of 56.7 inches over the Mustang's 55.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Mustang | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the drivetrains?
The 2025 Ford Mustang employs a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration mated to a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA than the 2025 Ford Mustang?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has a significant price difference, commanding an MSRP of $42,750, which is $10,830 more than the Mustang's starting price of $31,920.
Which vehicle offers better highway fuel economy?
The CLA is more efficient on the highway, rated at 36 MPG highway compared to the Mustang's 33 MPG highway rating. This contributes to the CLA's overall 4 MPG advantage in combined efficiency (30 MPG vs. 26 MPG).
Is the 2025 Ford Mustang significantly more powerful?
Yes, the Mustang clearly leads in performance metrics, generating 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This is 94 hp more than the CLA’s 221 hp and 92 lb-ft more torque.
Does the body style affect cargo capacity?
The coupe-styled Mustang offers slightly more cargo room at 13.5 cu ft, whereas the sedan-styled CLA provides 11.6 cu ft. Both require premium fuel, though the Mustang only recommends it while the CLA requires it.
Are there notable differences in exterior dimensions?
The Mustang is longer at 189.4 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, but the CLA is marginally taller at 56.7 inches versus the Mustang's 55.0 inches.
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