2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus ES offers serene luxury defined by its standard All-Wheel Drive and robust construction (195.9 inches long), delivering a comfortable 28 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA excites with a higher torque figure of 258 lb-ft and slightly punchier output at 221 hp, wrapped in a sportier, more compact frame (184.6 inches long). While the Lexus provides superior utility with 13.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft, the Mercedes edges out the Lexus in efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined, though it demands premium fuel. The Lexus counters with the security of its 8-speed automatic and AWD platform, contrasting the CLA's FWD and automated manual transmission. This comparison pits Lexus's established refinement and stability against the Mercedes' European flair and greater low-end grunt.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES provides better real-world efficiency at 33 highway MPG and utilizes a traditional automatic transmission, which many find smoother for stop-and-go traffic.
2025 Lexus ES
With a 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive stability, the Lexus ES offers superior practicality and assured handling for family duties.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA delivers a significantly higher 258 lb-ft of torque and more horsepower (221 hp) for a livelier driving feel.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES starts at a lower MSRP ($42,140) while offering the efficiency benefit of using regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You prioritize lower running costs by sticking with regular unleaded fuel.
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the superior 13.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the confidence and stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You desire a sharper, more immediate performance feel backed by 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly more compact and agile vehicle footprint (184.6 inches long).
- You value the highest possible fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Does the Lexus ES or the Mercedes-Benz CLA offer better highway fuel economy?
The 2025 Lexus ES has a slight edge in highway driving, achieving 33 MPG, compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 36 MPG. However, the CLA requires premium fuel while the ES runs on regular unleaded.
How do the power specifications compare between the two sedans?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is significantly punchier, boasting 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Lexus ES produces a more modest 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle is physically larger for passenger and cargo volume?
The Lexus ES is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 195.9 inches in length compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches. This results in the Lexus offering substantially more trunk space at 13.9 cu ft versus 11.6 cu ft.
What are the key differences in their drivetrain and transmission setups?
The Lexus ES features a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with All-Wheel Drive for consistent traction. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission paired exclusively with Front Wheel Drive.
Is there a significant price difference between the base models?
The 2025 Lexus ES is marginally less expensive, starting at an MSRP of $42,140. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA begins at $42,750, making the Lexus the better starting value.
Which car is designed for performance versus comfort?
The CLA is engineered with higher torque and lower weight distribution suggesting a performance focus, whereas the Lexus ES's stable AWD and traditional automatic transmission lean toward comfort and predictable driving dynamics.
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