2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2025 Volvo S60
Comparison Overview
The primary performance divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2025 Volvo S60 lies in horsepower, where the S60 delivers 247 hp against the CLA-Class's 221 hp—a 26 hp advantage. Despite this power gap, both sedans achieve an identical 30 MPG combined, with the S60 exhibiting a slight edge in efficiency with 27 MPG city versus the CLA’s 26 MPG city. Price sensitivity heavily favors the Volvo, which starts at an MSRP of $42,600 compared to the Mercedes' $44,400, a $1,800 difference. Both vehicles offer identical 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, though the S60 is marginally larger overall, measuring 188.1 inches long versus the CLA-Class's 184.6 inches. Furthermore, both mandate premium fuel, but the S60 only recommends it, offering a slight operational flexibility advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 offers superior city efficiency (27 MPG vs 26 MPG) while requiring only recommended premium fuel.
2025 Volvo S60
The S60 provides a longer overall platform at 188.1 inches compared to the CLA-Class's 184.6 inches, potentially offering marginally more cabin space despite identical cargo ratings.
2025 Volvo S60
The S60 produces 26 more horsepower (247 hp vs 221 hp), offering superior straight-line performance metrics.
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class on starting MSRP by $1,800 ($42,600 vs $44,400) while matching or beating performance specs.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize the prestige and design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
- You prefer the specific engagement characteristics of the CLA-Class's 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You need the slightly more compact exterior dimensions for easier urban parking (184.6 inches in length).
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You require higher base output, as the S60 provides 247 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp.
- You want to save $1,800 upfront, with the S60 priced at $42,600 versus the CLA-Class at $44,400.
- You value the flexibility of a vehicle where premium fuel is recommended rather than strictly required like the CLA-Class.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 188.1" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.8" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 113.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 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 | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 429.3/572.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 9.0 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 |
| Stereo Power | — | 220W |
| Speaker System | — | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.1 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 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 235/45R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2025 Volvo S60.
What is the measurable performance difference between the two sedans?
The 2025 Volvo S60 leads in raw output with 247 horsepower, creating a 26 hp margin over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 221 hp. Both cars share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque rating.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare for daily commuting?
Both vehicles are rated for 30 MPG combined. However, the S60 shows a minor advantage in urban driving with 27 MPG city, slightly better than the CLA-Class's 26 MPG city rating.
Does the price difference justify the performance gap?
The Volvo S60 offers superior horsepower (247 hp vs 221 hp) while having a lower starting MSRP of $42,600 compared to the CLA-Class at $44,400, suggesting a higher performance-per-dollar ratio for the S60.
Are there significant differences in interior space or utility?
No significant differences are noted in cargo utility, as both the CLA-Class and the S60 quote an identical 11.6 cu ft of trunk space. The S60 is physically longer overall at 188.1 inches versus the CLA's 184.6 inches.
Is premium fuel usage mandatory for both front-wheel-drive models?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2025 Volvo S60 lists premium unleaded as recommended, offering some operational cost flexibility.
What transmissions do these FWD vehicles utilize?
The CLA-Class employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission. The S60 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, indicating different mechanical approaches to gear selection.
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