2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Cadillac CT4

$44,400 · Sedan

$35,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Cadillac CT4 often comes down to balancing luxury aspirations against cold, hard cash. The CLA starts at a premium $44,400, significantly higher than the CT4's $35,600, representing an $8,800 initial hurdle. While the CLA offers slightly better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined versus the CT4's 26 MPG combined, the difference might not offset the upfront cost for daily drivers. Power is comparable, with the CLA producing 221 hp and the CT4 delivering 237 hp, although the CLA is slightly shorter overall at 184.6 inches compared to the CT4's 187.2 inches. Furthermore, the CLA's 11.6 cu ft of cargo space beats the CT4's 10.7 cu ft, providing a practical edge for city errands.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 30 MPG compared to the Cadillac's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA offers slightly more usable space with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is marginally better than the CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac CT4

The 2026 Cadillac CT4 appeals more to driving purists by offering slightly higher horsepower at 237 hp and standard rear-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 delivers superior value with an MSRP that is $8,800 lower than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

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

Your budget allows for the $44,400 starting MSRP and you prioritize the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
You need the better efficiency provided by the 30 MPG combined rating for your daily driving routes.
You prefer the slightly tighter maneuverability afforded by the smaller 184.6-inch length and FWD layout.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

Saving $8,800 on the initial purchase price is a top priority, as the CT4 starts at $35,600.
You enjoy a more traditional rear-wheel drive platform and a slight horsepower advantage (237 hp).
You don't mind using premium unleaded fuel only as recommended, rather than required, and can accept 26 MPG combined.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Cadillac CT4
Length	184.6"	187.2"
Width	72.0"	71.4"
Height	56.7"	56.0"
Wheelbase	107.4"	109.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	2
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	237 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	22/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	374.0/544.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	17.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	—	8
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	55.2 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	6-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.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	33.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	52.5 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	P225/45R17
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Tire Type	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Cadillac CT4.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between these two models?

Not really; the 2026 Cadillac CT4 offers 237 hp, slightly beating the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp, but both are capable sedans that use premium fuel.

How much more fuel efficient is the CLA compared to the CT4?

The CLA has a noticeable advantage here, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CT4's 26 MPG combined rating, which could result in meaningful long-term savings.

Which car is better for loading luggage or groceries?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA provides marginally more utility with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, slightly surpassing the 10.7 cubic feet offered by the Cadillac CT4.

Why is the Mercedes CLA significantly more expensive?

The $44,400 MSRP reflects the Mercedes-Benz badge, potentially superior interior materials, and different standard feature sets compared to the $35,600 Cadillac CT4.

Does the drivetrain setup affect daily driving experience?

Yes; the CLA uses front-wheel drive, while the CT4 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which offers a different feel, especially during spirited driving.

Are both cars considered large sedans based on their dimensions?

Neither car is particularly large; the CT4 is slightly longer at 187.2 inches, while the CLA is marginally wider at 72.0 inches, making both relatively compact entry-level luxury options.