2025 Lexus ES vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

$42,140 · Sedan

$44,400 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class often boils down to prioritizing reliable comfort over sleek European styling. If your daily drive involves serious mileage, the Lexus ES is the clear economic choice; its 28 combined MPG and ability to run on regular unleaded saves money over the CLA's premium fuel requirement. While the CLA boasts more power with 221 hp versus the ES's 203 hp, the Lexus counters with a larger presence at 195.9 inches long, offering potentially more interior space, though its trunk is slightly larger at 13.9 cu ft compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the Lexus offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) compared to the CLA's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). The price difference is minor, with the ES starting at $42,140 and the CLA at $44,400, making the ES the better all-around practical investment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG rating and ability to use less expensive regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is likely better for families because it is nearly 11 inches longer and offers a larger 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class appeals more to enthusiasts, delivering stronger performance with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES offers better long-term value by providing AWD and better fuel economy for a lower starting MSRP of $42,140.

Choose the Lexus ES if...

You need the added security of All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is standard on the Lexus ES.
You want to minimize running costs by utilizing regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.
A slightly larger overall footprint, evidenced by its 195.9-inch length, is important for your comfort needs.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...

You prioritize maximum driving engagement, benefiting from the CLA's higher 221 hp and superior 258 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel efficiency is a major factor, as the CLA offers 30 combined MPG, slightly edging out the ES.
You prefer the driving dynamics of a front-wheel-drive platform coupled with an automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus ES	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Length	195.9"	184.6"
Width	73.4"	72.0"
Height	57.1"	56.7"
Wheelbase	113.0"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6500 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/33 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/524.7 mi.	351.0/486.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Pioneer	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.5 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	55.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.2 in.	33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.3 in.	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	215/55R17	225/45R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	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	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

Which car is cheaper to fuel based on these specifications?

The Lexus ES is cheaper to fuel because it only requires regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class mandates premium unleaded. While the CLA gets 30 combined MPG versus the ES's 28, the fuel type difference often negates the CLA's slight MPG advantage over time.

Is the Mercedes CLA significantly faster than the Lexus ES?

Yes, the Mercedes CLA offers a noticeable performance edge with 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Lexus ES's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This means the CLA will feel quicker in straight-line acceleration.

Does the size difference between these two sedans matter for storage?

It matters most in the trunk: the Lexus ES provides 13.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is nearly 2.3 cu ft more than the CLA-Class's 11.6 cu ft capacity. Additionally, the ES is about 1.3 inches taller and nearly 1.3 inches wider than the CLA.

Which vehicle offers better traction management in poor weather?

The 2025 Lexus ES is the preferred choice for varied weather conditions because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes standard only with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).

How much more does the Mercedes CLA cost upfront?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts at $44,400, making it $2,260 more expensive than the 2025 Lexus ES, which begins at $42,140.

What kind of transmission does each sedan use?

The Lexus ES uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission known for smooth shifts. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which is engineered for quicker, though potentially less conventional, gear changes.