2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota Crown
Comparison Overview
The battle lines are drawn between the sleek, premium aspiration of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the practical, high-efficiency rebellion of the 2025 Toyota Crown. The CLA captivates with its flowing, compact design (184.6 inches long) and a required premium fuel setup powering its 221 hp engine, targeting drivers who prioritize badge prestige and styling, despite achieving only 30 combined MPG. Conversely, the massive Crown sedan commands attention with its crossover height (60.6 inches tall) and delivers staggering efficiency, netting 41 combined MPG running on regular unleaded. While the Crown offers significantly more space with 15.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft, the Mercedes' FWD setup contrasts sharply with the Crown's standard All-Wheel Drive. The Crown starts lower at $41,440 versus the CLA's $44,400, suggesting a stark trade-off between German luxury ambiance and Japanese efficiency dominance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is the clear commuter champion due to its superior 41 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown offers greater practicality with significantly more cargo space at 15.2 cu ft and the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers a more performance-oriented drivetrain feel, even with less horsepower, due to its 8-speed automated manual transmission.
2025 Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown wins on value by offering better fuel economy, standard AWD, and a $3,000 lower MSRP than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You desire the exclusivity and design pedigree associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional, quick-shifting 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You prioritize a more compact footprint (184.6 inches in length) for easier city maneuvering.
Choose the Toyota Crown if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, as the Crown achieves 41 combined MPG.
- You need the enhanced traction and stability provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You require more passenger and storage volume, evidenced by 15.2 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Toyota Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 196.1" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.7" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 236 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 42/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 41 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 609.0/594.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 12.3 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 | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.1 in. |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 225/55R19 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Toyota Crown.
How does the fuel cost difference between the two vehicles stack up?
The Toyota Crown's 41 combined MPG and requirement for regular unleaded fuel make it significantly cheaper to run than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which achieves only 30 combined MPG and mandates premium fuel.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class much smaller than the Toyota Crown?
Yes, the size difference is noticeable; the Crown is nearly 11.5 inches longer, measuring 196.1 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, and it sits substantially taller at 60.6 inches.
Which car is better for spirited driving based on the specs?
While the Crown has slightly more peak horsepower at 236 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp, the CLA's 8-speed automated manual transmission often provides a more engaging driving feel than the Crown's CVT.
How does the standard drivetrain layout impact ownership?
The standard front-wheel drive of the CLA contrasts with the Crown's standard All-Wheel Drive, meaning the Toyota offers better traction performance in varied weather conditions right out of the box.
Is the higher starting price of the CLA justified by performance?
At $44,400, the CLA costs $3,000 more than the $41,440 Crown, yet it yields poorer fuel economy (30 vs 41 MPG combined) and slightly less horsepower, suggesting the premium is for luxury branding rather than outright measurable performance gains.
Which vehicle provides a more usable trunk for hauling groceries or gear?
The Toyota Crown is superior for utility, offering 15.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which dwarfs the 11.6 cubic feet available in the trunk of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool