2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$44,400 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class ignites the entry-level luxury segment with its sculpted, aerodynamic design and advanced technology, starting at an MSRP of $44,400 and delivering 221 horsepower. In sharp contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI channels pure, unfiltered driving joy, offering a performance punch for just $33,215. While both achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, the Jetta GLI boasts a slightly higher output of 228 horsepower paired with standard driver engagement via its 6-speed manual transmission, compared to the CLA's 221 hp and automated manual. The German rivals also differ in utility: the Jetta GLI provides a superior 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, easily eclipsing the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. This massive $11,185 price differential, favoring the VW, forces a hard look at whether the premium badge justifies the extra cost over the GLI's more potent entry specifications.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers superior claimed highway efficiency in the premium category, achieving 36 MPG highway compared to the Jetta's identical rating but in a more luxurious shell.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for practicality due to its larger 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly outdoing the CLA's 11.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides a more visceral engagement with its standard 6-speed manual transmission and offers slightly more peak horsepower at 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI delivers 228 horsepower for $33,215, whereas the CLA asks for an $11,185 premium for 221 horsepower.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...

You prioritize the prestige and design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge and premium refinement.
You prefer the smoother shift action and potential efficiency benefits of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
You need the smaller exterior footprint (184.6 inches long) for tight urban parking scenarios.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You demand maximum driver control via the enthusiast-focused 6-speed manual transmission.
Your budget is strictly limited to the lower MSRP of $33,215, saving over $11,000 compared to Car 1.
You need better real-world utility, evidenced by the superior 14.1 cu ft cargo volume.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	184.6"	186.9"
Width	72.0"	70.8"
Height	56.7"	57.3"
Wheelbase	107.4"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Speaker System	—	9
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	55.9 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	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	—	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	51.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/45R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How much more horsepower does the Jetta GLI offer over the CLA?

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI boasts 228 horsepower, giving it a slight edge over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which produces 221 horsepower.

What is the main transmission difference between these two FWD sedans?

The Jetta GLI comes standard with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists, while the CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual unit.

Is premium fuel required for both vehicles?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class strictly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 221 hp engine. Conversely, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI recommends premium fuel to achieve its full 228 hp performance figures.

Which car offers better cargo capacity for hauling luggage?

The Jetta GLI is the clear winner for cargo, offering 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, substantially more than the CLA-Class’s 11.6 cubic feet.

How significant is the MSRP difference between the 2025 CLA and Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts at $44,400, creating a significant $11,185 price gap when compared to the Jetta GLI's starting price of $33,215.

Do these cars have similar fuel economy for daily driving?

Yes, both vehicles are rated identically for fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG, with both city and highway ratings listed at 26/36 MPG respectively.