2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the $8,400 difference in MSRP, with the Hyundai starting at $34,350 versus the Mercedes at $42,750. Performance metrics heavily favor the Elantra N, which boasts 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. However, fuel economy presents a major contrast; the CLA achieves a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined. While both require premium unleaded fuel, the CLA also offers superior efficiency on the highway at 36 MPG versus the Elantra's 29 MPG. The Elantra N provides slightly more utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, while the CLA is marginally wider at 72.0 inches versus 71.9 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 2025 Hyundai Elantra N offers more usable space with a larger 14.2 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N delivers substantially higher performance with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired with a desirable 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides a far better performance-to-price ratio, starting $8,400 cheaper while delivering 55 more horsepower.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Maximum driving engagement is desired, evidenced by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize peak engine output, as the 276 hp output significantly exceeds the CLA's 221 hp.
- Achieving the lowest possible initial purchase price near the $34,350 mark is a primary concern.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, highlighted by the CLA’s 30 MPG combined rating versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
- A slightly taller ride height (56.7 inches vs 55.7 inches) is preferred for ingress/egress.
- You prefer an automated manual transmission paired with better overall mileage metrics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary performance advantage of the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The Elantra N clearly leads in raw output, producing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 55 hp advantage over the CLA's 221 hp, making the Hyundai significantly quicker in straight-line acceleration.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two premium unleaded sedans?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is substantially more efficient, rated at 30 MPG combined (26 City/36 Highway). The Elantra N lags behind with a 24 MPG combined rating (21 City/29 Highway).
Which vehicle is the better choice for maximizing usable interior cargo space?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is superior to the 11.6 cubic feet provided in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Does the transmission choice affect the overall cost comparison?
Yes, the Elantra N comes standard with a 6-speed manual at a $34,350 MSRP, while the CLA uses an 8-speed automated manual and commands a $42,750 MSRP, contributing to the $8,400 price gap.
Are there major dimensional differences that might affect garage fitment?
The dimensions are quite similar; the CLA is slightly taller at 56.7 inches versus the Elantra N's 55.7 inches, but the Elantra N is marginally longer at 185.4 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches.
Aside from power, what other handling factor differentiates these FWD vehicles?
Both utilize a Front-Wheel Drive layout; however, the Elantra N's power figures suggest a much higher level of torque available to the front wheels, which could impact traction control calibration compared to the CLA.
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