2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Acura Integra

$44,400 · Sedan

$33,400 · Hatchback

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class bursts onto the scene flaunting its $44,400 price tag and spirited 221 hp from its turbocharged engine, promising that classic three-pointed star allure, even with standard front-wheel drive. Conversely, the 2026 Acura Integra grabs attention with exceptional practicality, starting at a far more accessible $33,400 and boasting nearly double the utility thanks to its cavernous 24.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's meager 11.6 cu ft. While the Mercedes edges out the Acura in power by 21 hp, the Integra delivers superior efficiency with 32 combined MPG versus the CLA's 30 MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel (though the Integra only recommends it). The Integra's hatchback design makes it fundamentally more versatile than the CLA's traditional sedan layout, illustrating a clear divergence in priorities between German luxury aspiration and Japanese functional brilliance, evidenced by an $11,000 price gulf.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura Integra

The Acura Integra offers better overall efficiency with 32 combined MPG and is significantly less expensive for the daily grind.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Acura Integra

The Integra's hatchback body offers a massive 24.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class provides a healthier 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a sharper straight-line punch.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura Integra

The Integra undercuts the CLA by a substantial $11,000 while still providing premium fuel requirements and solid performance figures.

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

You prioritize the prestige and design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You want the slight performance edge, commanding 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer an 8-speed automated manual transmission feel over a CVT.

Choose the Acura Integra if...

You need maximum utility, benefitting from 24.3 cu ft of cargo space.
Budget is a major concern, as the starting MSRP is $11,000 lower at $33,400.
You seek marginally better fuel economy, achieving 37 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Acura Integra
Length	184.6"	185.8"
Width	72.0"	72.0"
Height	56.7"	55.5"
Wheelbase	107.4"	107.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	200 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	192 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	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	29/37 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	359.6/458.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
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	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
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	—
Speaker System	—	8

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	37.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.0 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	—
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	—	54.3 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	36.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	56.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	48.9 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	✓
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Acura Integra.

What is the primary difference in body style and cargo access?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a traditional sedan offering 11.6 cu ft of fixed cargo space. In contrast, the 2026 Acura Integra is a versatile hatchback, nearly doubling utility with 24.3 cu ft of storage space.

How much more power does the CLA-Class offer over the Integra?

The CLA-Class holds a distinct advantage in horsepower, delivering 221 hp compared to the Integra's 200 hp, a difference of 21 horsepower.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its engine. The Acura Integra only recommends premium unleaded, meaning regular fuel is an option for its 200 hp engine.

Which car is better for fuel efficiency on the highway?

The Acura Integra edges out the Mercedes in efficiency, achieving 37 MPG on the highway compared to the CLA's 36 MPG, while also offering a better combined rating of 32 MPG.

What is the absolute price gap between these two models?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts at $44,400, making it exactly $11,000 more expensive than the base 2026 Acura Integra, which is priced at $33,400.

What is the difference in transmission technology?

The CLA-Class uses a more engaging 8-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Integra is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for smoother, efficiency-focused shifting.