2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (Car1) and the 2025 Subaru BRZ (Car2) is the $11,190 difference in MSRP, with the CLA starting at $44,400 compared to the BRZ's $33,210. Performance metrics show the BRZ leading marginally in horsepower with 228 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp, though the Mercedes counters with substantially higher torque at 258 lb-ft compared to the BRZ's 184 lb-ft. Fuel economy clearly favors Car1, achieving 30 combined MPG against Car2's 22 combined MPG. Dimensionally, the CLA is significantly larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length, whereas the compact BRZ is 167.9 inches long. Furthermore, the sedan body style provides the CLA with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the 6.3 cu ft offered by the BRZ coupe.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating versus the BRZ's 22 MPG, offering lower operational costs.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA provides 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly exceeding the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft, better suiting family utility needs.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is engineered as a focused sports coupe with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, catering more directly to driving purists.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers superior power (228 hp vs. 221 hp) for $11,190 less, translating to a better performance-per-dollar ratio.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You require greater efficiency, as the CLA achieves 30 combined MPG versus 22 MPG for the BRZ.
- You prioritize a larger passenger and storage volume, evidenced by 11.6 cu ft of trunk space.
- You prefer the sedan format and the substantial 258 lb-ft of torque from the Mercedes powertrain.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- Your primary objective is driver engagement via the 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive layout.
- You seek the lowest entry price point, as the BRZ retails for $11,190 less than the CLA.
- You value marginal horsepower superiority (228 hp) in a lighter, smaller 167.9-inch coupe chassis.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.0" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the clear winner in efficiency, delivering 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Subaru BRZ lags significantly with only 22 combined MPG (20 city/27 highway), making the CLA cheaper to operate.
How do the drivetrains fundamentally differ between these two models?
The CLA is front-wheel drive utilizing an 8-speed automated manual transmission, focusing on smooth efficiency. Conversely, the BRZ is rear-wheel drive paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual, prioritizing traditional sport-driving dynamics.
Is the Mercedes CLA truly more powerful than the Subaru BRZ?
While the BRZ posts slightly higher peak horsepower at 228 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp, the Mercedes generates substantially more low-end grunt with 258 lb-ft of torque versus the BRZ's 184 lb-ft, which affects responsiveness.
How much smaller is the Subaru BRZ physically compared to the Mercedes CLA?
The BRZ is a more compact vehicle overall; it is 167.9 inches long, making it over 16 inches shorter than the 184.6-inch CLA. It is also notably shorter in height at 51.6 inches.
Why does the CLA cost over $11,000 more than the BRZ?
The price disparity reflects the difference in class, standard features, and body style, with the CLA positioned as a luxury compact sedan ($44,400) against the BRZ's budget-focused, performance-oriented coupe structure ($33,210).
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