2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class boils down to prioritizing brand experience versus daily efficiency and initial cost. A common dilemma is deciding if the prestige factor justifies a higher price tag and efficiency hit. The Lexus IS starts at a competitive $40,535, significantly undercutting the CLA-Class's $44,400 MSRP by $3,865. While the IS offers a slight edge in power with 241 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp, the Mercedes claws back ground in running costs, boasting a 5 MPG advantage with 30 combined MPG versus the Lexus's 25 combined MPG. Dimensions are close, though the CLA offers slightly more trunk space at 11.6 cu ft compared to the IS’s 10.8 cu ft. Ultimately, this comparison pits traditional RWD performance dynamics against superior FWD fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class is slightly better equipped for small families, offering a marginally larger cargo capacity of 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Lexus IS
The 2025 Lexus IS appeals more to enthusiasts with its 241 hp output and traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS provides a $3,865 lower starting MSRP while delivering more horsepower (241 hp vs. 221 hp).
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You prefer the driving dynamics associated with a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- You want the higher output of 241 horsepower from the base engine.
- You need to keep the initial purchase price lower, saving $3,865 at the starting line.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- Fuel economy is a primary concern, as it achieves 36 highway MPG versus 31 MPG in the Lexus.
- You prefer the packaging benefits of a front-wheel-drive architecture, resulting in 11.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You favor the smoother operating 8-speed automated manual transmission for city driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| 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 IS and 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to sway my decision between the two sedans?
Yes, the 5 MPG difference is meaningful for regular drivers; the Mercedes CLA achieves 30 combined MPG while the Lexus IS is rated at 25 combined MPG. Over a year, this will translate to noticeable savings at the premium fuel pump.
How does the horsepower and drivetrain affect the driving feel?
The Lexus IS has a small horsepower advantage with 241 hp and uses a traditional rear-wheel-drive setup, often preferred for sportier handling. The CLA-Class offers 221 hp and uses a front-wheel-drive setup, which is generally better for predictable handling in poor weather.
What is the price difference between the two base models?
The 2025 Lexus IS has an MSRP of $40,535, making it $3,865 less expensive than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which starts at $44,400.
Which car has more room for groceries or luggage?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers slightly more utility with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, edging out the Lexus IS which is rated at 10.8 cubic feet.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class specify premium unleaded fuel as required for optimal performance.
Are the dimensions drastically different for parking in tight city spots?
The cars are very similar in size; the Lexus IS is slightly longer at 185.4 inches, while the CLA-Class is slightly narrower at 72.0 inches compared to the Lexus's 72.4 inches, so parking ease will be nearly identical.
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