2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Nissan Z presents a classic dilemma: do you prioritize luxury efficiency or raw performance? The CLA-Class starts at an MSRP of $44,400 and delivers a solid 30 combined MPG, which is significantly better than the Z's 20 combined MPG. While the CLA offers 221 hp, the Nissan Z dominates the power charts with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, a massive 179 hp advantage. The CLA is a front-wheel-drive sedan, prioritizing daily stability, whereas the rear-wheel-drive Z focuses purely on the drive. Furthermore, the CLA is slightly smaller in length at 184.6 inches compared to the Z’s length of 172.4 inches, impacting maneuverability and parking. Your choice hinges entirely on whether you need efficient commuting or thrilling weekend drives.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuting due to its superior 30 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
As a Sedan with more practical dimensions, the CLA is inherently more accommodating than the two-seater Nissan Z Coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLA's 221 hp.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z offers significantly more performance for a slightly lower MSRP of $42,970 compared to the CLA's $44,400.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You require better fuel economy, as the CLA delivers 30 combined MPG.
- You prefer the stability and efficiency of front-wheel drive for daily driving.
- You need slightly more overall usable space than the compact 11.6 cu ft cargo area suggests.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Your priority is maximum power, thanks to the Z's 400 horsepower engine.
- You appreciate the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You want a higher performance output for a lower initial cost, starting at $42,970.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.2 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 | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Nissan Z.
Is the 2025 Mercedes CLA fuel-efficient enough for a long commute?
Yes, the CLA is quite good for efficiency, achieving 36 MPG on the highway, which heavily outweighs the Nissan Z's 24 MPG highway rating. This 10 MPG difference makes the CLA much cheaper to run daily.
How much more power does the 2026 Nissan Z actually offer over the CLA?
The Nissan Z offers a substantial 179 horsepower advantage, putting out 400 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp. This massive difference, paired with its 350 lb-ft of torque, means the Z is built for speed, not efficiency.
Which car uses a manual transmission?
The 2026 Nissan Z comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, catering to driving purists. The Mercedes-Benz CLA uses an 8-speed automated manual.
Is the Mercedes CLA affordable to fuel, considering its premium requirement?
While both require premium fuel, the CLA's excellent 30 combined MPG means you spend less money filling up less frequently. The Z’s 20 combined MPG will quickly eat into its initial $1,430 lower MSRP.
Which car is better suited for drivers who frequently parallel park in tight city spots?
The CLA might have a slight edge due to its dimensions being slightly more conservative in length (184.6 inches vs. 172.4 inches for the Z), although the Z is slightly wider at 72.6 inches.
Do I sacrifice too much cargo room for the CLA's efficiency?
The 2025 CLA sedan offers 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is generally more usable space than what is typically found in a dedicated sports coupe like the Nissan Z.
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