2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Toyota Crown

$44,400 · Sedan

$41,440 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

When choosing between premium style and practical longevity, the decision between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Toyota Crown gets interesting. The common dilemma is balancing that luxurious badge appeal against long-term ownership savings. The CLA starts at an MSRP of $44,400 with 221 hp, but it demands premium unleaded fuel and offers a tighter 11.6 cu ft of cargo space. Conversely, the Crown, priced lower at $41,440, boasts a compelling 41 combined MPG, significantly beating the CLA’s 30 MPG, and runs happily on regular unleaded. Furthermore, the Crown is substantially larger, measuring 196.1 inches long compared to the CLA's 184.6 inches, while providing a better 15.2 cu ft of storage. While the Mercedes offers a spirited drive, the Crown's efficiency advantage is the dominant factor in this comparison for the average driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Crown

The 2026 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its superior 41 combined MPG and compatibility with regular unleaded fuel, drastically lowering running costs over 26/36 MPG in the CLA.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Crown

Families will prefer the Crown because it is significantly larger overall and offers 15.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA appeals slightly more to enthusiasts with its 258 lb-ft of torque versus the Crown's unspecified output, plus its automated manual transmission might offer a more engaging shift experience than the Crown's CVT.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown provides better inherent value by costing $3,000 less initially and offering a massive 11 MPG fuel economy advantage.

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

You prioritize the prestige and design associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand badge.
You prefer the specific driving dynamics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
You are comfortable paying the $44,400 MSRP and the ongoing cost of premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the Crown achieves 41 combined MPG versus the CLA's 30 MPG.
You need the extra usability from its larger dimensions (196.1 inches long) and 15.2 cu ft cargo capacity.
You want the stability benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive and the lower cost of regular unleaded gasoline.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Toyota Crown
Length	184.6"	196.1"
Width	72.0"	72.4"
Height	56.7"	60.6"
Wheelbase	107.4"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	236 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	42/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	41 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	609.0/594.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.3 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	—	6

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.1 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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.1 in.
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/55R19
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Toyota Crown.

Is the 11 MPG difference in fuel efficiency noticeable between the CLA and the Crown?

Absolutely. The 2026 Toyota Crown achieves 41 combined MPG while the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class manages only 30 combined MPG, meaning the Crown will save you hundreds annually, especially considering the CLA requires more expensive premium fuel.

How much bigger is the trunk space in the Crown compared to the CLA?

The Toyota Crown offers 15.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is notably more practical than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class’s 11.6 cu ft, making the Crown better for hauling groceries or luggage.

Does the Mercedes CLA's lower horsepower mean it feels slower than the Crown?

The CLA has 221 hp while the Crown has 236 hp; however, the CLA has 258 lb-ft of torque, which might give it better initial acceleration feel, even though the Crown has higher peak power.

Is the higher initial price of the Mercedes CLA justified by its drivetrain?

The CLA costs $44,400, $3,000 more than the Crown, and sends power through the front wheels, whereas the Crown includes standard All-Wheel Drive for $41,440.

Which car is physically larger on the road?

The 2026 Toyota Crown is substantially larger, measuring 196.1 inches in length and 60.6 inches in height, towering over the CLA’s 184.6-inch length and 56.7-inch height.

What is the primary difference in transmission types?

The CLA uses an 8-speed automated manual transmission, aiming for a more traditional geared feel, while the Crown utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) optimized for smooth efficiency, which contributes to its higher MPG.