2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$44,400 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Cadillac CT5 is their fuel economy, with the CLA-Class achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the CT5's 26 MPG, translating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Mercedes. Priced at $44,400, the CLA also undercuts the Cadillac's $48,600 MSRP by $4,200, establishing an immediate value proposition. Performance metrics show the CT5 generating a higher 237 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp, although both models share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the CT5 is the larger vehicle, measuring 193.8 inches in length against the CLA's 184.6 inches, resulting in marginally greater cargo space at 11.9 cu ft versus 11.6 cu ft. The operational differences are further highlighted by the CLA's front-wheel drive architecture and the CT5's standard rear-wheel drive configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is superior for commuting due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG versus the Cadillac's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 offers a slightly larger physical footprint and 11.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, marginally better suited for family utility than the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Cadillac CT5

The Cadillac CT5 provides a higher output of 237 hp and utilizes a rear-wheel drive platform, appealing more to performance driving preferences than the FWD CLA.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class offers better value by being $4,200 less expensive while simultaneously delivering superior fuel efficiency.

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

Your primary concern is minimizing operational costs, as indicated by the 30 combined MPG rating.
You prioritize a lower initial outlay, given the $4,200 MSRP savings over the CT5.
You prefer the stability and efficiency characteristics associated with a front-wheel drive layout.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You require the minor spatial advantage of the CT5's 11.9 cu ft cargo area.
You seek the marginally higher output of 237 horsepower for acceleration.
A rear-wheel drive mechanical layout and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferred driving attributes.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Cadillac CT5
Length	184.6"	193.8"
Width	72.0"	74.1"
Height	56.7"	57.2"
Wheelbase	107.4"	116.0"

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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	33.0 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	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	AKG
Speaker System	—	15
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
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	Cadillac
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-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	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	53.7 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	55.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	53.7 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	245/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

How does the powertrain configuration differ between the 2025 CLA and the 2026 CT5?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class utilizes a front-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission, producing 221 hp. Conversely, the Cadillac CT5 is equipped with a rear-wheel drive setup connected to a 10-speed shiftable automatic, providing 237 hp.

What is the financial impact of the MPG difference over a year?

The CLA-Class achieves 30 combined MPG while the CT5 manages 26 combined MPG, meaning the Mercedes burns less fuel. Given that both require premium fuel, the 4 MPG difference will lead to lower annual expenditure on gasoline for the CLA owner.

Is the Cadillac CT5 significantly larger than the Mercedes CLA-Class?

Yes, the CT5 is dimensionally larger, boasting a length of 193.8 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, and is also slightly wider and taller. This results in an extra 0.3 cu ft of cargo capacity in the Cadillac, reaching 11.9 cu ft.

Both cars require premium fuel; does torque output vary significantly?

No, torque output is identical for both models; both the CLA-Class and the CT5 deliver a peak of 258 lb-ft of torque. The primary difference in output lies in horsepower, where the CT5 leads by 16 hp (237 hp vs. 221 hp).

How does the MSRP difference relate to the efficiency ratings?

The CLA-Class has a lower MSRP of $44,400, which is $4,200 less than the CT5's $48,600. This lower purchase price is coupled with the better fuel economy rating of 30 MPG, significantly enhancing the CLA's immediate value metrics.

Which transmission provides more gear ratios for optimal cruising?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 features a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, providing two more forward gears than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 8-speed automated manual, potentially aiding highway efficiency or responsiveness.