2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
Deciding between accessible luxury and raw performance in a compact sedan often boils down to budget versus prestige. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class starts at a substantial $44,400, positioning it against the sporty 2026 Hyundai Elantra N, which undercuts it by $9,300 with an MSRP of $35,100. While the CLA offers efficiency with 30 MPG combined, the Elantra N prioritizes power, delivering 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque—a full 55 hp more than the CLA's 221 hp. Despite the power deficit, the CLA is notably more frugal, sipping fuel at a 26/36 MPG split compared to the Elantra N's 21/29 MPG city/highway rating. Dimensionally, they are close, with the Elantra N providing superior utility via 14.2 cu ft of cargo space versus the CLA's smaller 11.6 cu ft. The key trade-off is paying thousands more for the badge and slightly better mileage, or taking the lower cost and higher performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N is the better choice for families because it offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Enthusiasts will prefer the Elantra N for its higher output of 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N offers superior performance for $9,300 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, making it the better value proposition.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize a luxury badge and premium aesthetic experience over raw power.
- Your driving habits benefit from the CLA's slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 36 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the smooth operation of the 8-speed automated manual transmission over a traditional manual setup.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You want the most performance horsepower for your dollar, benefiting from 276 hp for only $35,100.
- You need slightly more utility with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which beats the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
- You specifically enjoy and prefer operating a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 185.4" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.7" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Speaker System | — | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 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 | — | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/35R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Elantra N compared to the 2025 CLA-Class?
The Elantra N holds a noticeable advantage in power, delivering 276 horsepower, which is 55 hp more than the CLA-Class's 221 hp. This extra power helps justify its lower curb weight feeling, even though both cars are front-wheel drive.
What is the fuel economy trade-off between these two compact sedans?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more fuel-efficient option, achieving a combined 30 MPG (26 city/36 highway). The performance-focused Elantra N returns a combined 24 MPG (21 city/29 highway).
Is the price difference between the two cars significant?
Yes, there is a substantial $9,300 difference in their starting MSRPs, with the 2025 CLA-Class listed at $44,400 and the 2026 Elantra N at $35,100.
Which car has more usable storage space?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N wins on practicality here, offering 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class provides only 11.6 cu ft.
Do these vehicles require the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel to achieve their advertised performance specifications.
Which car is physically larger?
The vehicles are almost identical in footprint, but the Elantra N is slightly longer at 185.4 inches compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches; however, the CLA is slightly taller by about one inch.
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