2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class explodes onto the scene with style and technological elegance, starting at a premium $44,400, boasting 221 hp and delivering a comfortable 30 combined MPG from its FWD architecture. Contrast this refined approach with the visceral thrill of the 2025 Toyota GR86, a pure RWD coupe that demands driver engagement, offering 228 hp for only $30,400, despite achieving a lower 22 combined MPG. The CLA is the slightly larger luxury cruiser at 184.6 inches long, emphasizing comfort with its 11.6 cu ft cargo area and 8-speed automated manual. Meanwhile, the GR86 sticks to driving purity with its 6-speed manual transmission and a diminutive 6.3 cu ft trunk. The massive $14,000 price gap, coupled with the CLA's superior 36 MPG highway efficiency versus the GR86’s 26 MPG highway rating, defines this battle between accessible luxury and focused sports driving.
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 and more comfortable sedan dimensions compared to the GR86's efficiency sacrifice.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
With significantly more cargo capacity at 11.6 cu ft versus the GR86's 6.3 cu ft, the CLA offers greater utility for small families.
2025 Toyota GR86
The GR86 provides a purer enthusiast connection via its 228 hp, RWD layout, and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Toyota GR86
The GR86 offers higher horsepower (228 hp) than the CLA (221 hp) while carrying a $14,000 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, targeting a 30 combined MPG rating.
- You require the technological polish and inherent comfort of a luxury brand starting at $44,400.
- You need the slightly larger footprint and 11.6 cu ft of trunk space for practical duties.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your primary goal is maximum driver involvement using a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission.
- You want the advantage of a rear-wheel-drive platform focused purely on handling dynamics.
- You want 228 horsepower for $14,000 less than the starting price of the CLA.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | — |
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Toyota GR86.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the CLA and the GR86?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers a major advantage, achieving 30 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Toyota GR86 is rated at only 22 combined MPG. This 8 MPG separation means the CLA will save considerably on fuel costs over the long run.
Which car is better for performance driving, despite the similar horsepower figures?
The GR86 is built for spirited driving; it produces 228 hp and routes that power exclusively through the rear wheels (RWD) via a standard 6-speed manual. The CLA produces 221 hp and utilizes a FWD system with an automated manual transmission.
Why is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class so much more expensive than the Toyota GR86?
The CLA-Class commands a premium starting MSRP of $44,400, reflecting its luxury positioning, technology focus, and refined interior features. The GR86 offers a highly capable sports coupe experience for just $30,400, demonstrating a $14,000 price divergence.
Which vehicle provides more passenger or cargo space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the larger vehicle, measuring 184.6 inches in length and offering 11.6 cu ft of cargo space. The GR86 is smaller overall and severely limits storage with only 6.3 cu ft in the trunk.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2025 Toyota GR86 explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance metrics.
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