2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium style and raw capability is tough when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2025 Subaru WRX. If your priority is a refined daily drive, the CLA sits at an MSRP of $44,400 but rewards you with superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG. Conversely, the WRX appeals to driving purists with 271 hp, significantly more than the CLA's 221 hp, despite using fuel less efficiently at 22 combined MPG. The WRX also offers a slight cargo advantage, boasting 12.5 cu ft compared to the Benz’s 11.6 cu ft. Furthermore, there is a substantial $6,650 price difference favoring the Subaru. While the CLA is FWD with an 8-speed automated manual, the WRX features standard AWD and a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, catering to drastically different driving preferences.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuting due to its better fuel economy of 30 combined MPG versus the WRX's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX gets the nod for families because it offers slightly more cargo space at 12.5 cu ft and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX is the enthusiast's pick, offering 271 hp and standard AWD paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Subaru WRX
The 2025 Subaru WRX provides significantly better performance per dollar, costing $6,650 less than the CLA-Class.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 36 MPG on the highway compared to the WRX's 26 MPG.
- You prefer a lower entry price for a luxury badge, starting at $44,400 with FWD.
- You want the smoother operation of an 8-speed automated manual transmission for city driving.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You demand more output, with the WRX delivering 271 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.
- You require maximum traction in poor weather conditions thanks to standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the engagement of shifting gears yourself using the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 183.8" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.7" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 105.2" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 16.6 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 11.6 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 |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.7 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 | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/40R |
| 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 WRX.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class than the 2025 Subaru WRX?
The CLA-Class carries an MSRP of $44,400, making it exactly $6,650 more expensive than the Subaru WRX, which starts at $37,750. This price difference is significant when considering the performance and features each vehicle offers.
Which sedan is better for long road trips based on fuel costs?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the clear winner here, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG. You will be spending noticeably more on premium fuel to cover the same distance in the WRX.
Does the 2025 WRX use premium fuel?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru WRX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its maximum performance figures, though the CLA-Class requires it. Both vehicles utilize premium fuel, but the WRX burns through it faster due to its lower MPG rating.
Is there a significant power difference between the two models?
Yes, there is a 50 horsepower gap in favor of the WRX, which produces 271 hp versus the CLA’s 221 hp, even though both vehicles match with 258 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is easier to park due to size differences?
The vehicles are very similar in footprint; the WRX is marginally shorter in length (183.8 inches vs. 184.6 inches) and slightly taller (57.8 inches vs. 56.7 inches), meaning parking differences will likely come down to driver preference rather than actual dimensions.
How do the cargo areas compare for hauling groceries or gear?
The 2025 Subaru WRX has a slightly more accommodating trunk, offering 12.5 cu ft of space, which is 0.9 cu ft more than the 11.6 cu ft found in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
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