2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class boils down to whether you prioritize raw engagement or premium cruising comfort. Buyers often struggle when facing a significant $10,050 difference in starting MSRP, with the Elantra N beginning at $34,350 versus the CLA-Class's $44,400 entry point. The Elantra N brings substantially more performance to the table, boasting 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque from its standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Conversely, the CLA-Class offers better efficiency, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined, while its 8-speed automated manual is tuned for smoother daily driving. Although the Elantra N is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, the Mercedes edges it out in height at 56.7 inches, providing a different cabin feel in these FWD compact sedans.
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 fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is slightly better for families because it offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, noticeably more than the CLA-Class's 11.6 cubic feet.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N is the choice for driving enthusiasts, delivering 276 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission engagement.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides a significant power advantage, offering 276 hp for substantially less money than the $44,400 CLA-Class.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You demand maximum power, as the Elantra N outputs 276 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp.
- You prefer the visceral feel of shifting your own gears via a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission.
- You need slightly more utility, as the Elantra N offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo space.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You want to save money on fuel costs, benefiting from the CLA-Class's 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the refined experience of an 8-speed automated manual transmission for city driving.
- You value the perceived prestige and styling associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, despite the $10,050 higher starting price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Which car is significantly quicker in a straight line?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N is significantly quicker, boasting 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, which dwarfs the 221 hp and 258 lb-ft offered by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
How much more does the Mercedes CLA-Class cost upfront?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a substantially higher MSRP of $44,400, creating a price gap of $10,050 compared to the Elantra N's starting price of $34,350.
Is the Elantra N's required premium fuel going to cost me more overall?
While both require premium fuel, the Elantra N’s lower fuel economy (24 MPG combined) means you will likely visit the pump more often than in the CLA-Class, which achieves 30 MPG combined.
Which car offers better practicality for carrying luggage?
The Elantra N is the more practical option for hauling cargo, providing 14.2 cubic feet, whereas the CLA-Class is limited to 11.6 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in driving mechanics between these two FWD sedans?
The Elantra N exclusively offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission for full driver control, while the CLA-Class utilizes a modern 8-speed automated manual gearbox.
Are these cars similar in size, even though one is priced much higher?
They are very similar in exterior dimensions; for instance, both are nearly identical in length (185.4 inches vs. 184.6 inches), but the CLA-Class is slightly taller at 56.7 inches.
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