2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla presents a massive 79 horsepower advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, delivering 300 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp, which is the most significant disparity. This performance gap is mirrored by the GR Corolla's standard All-Wheel Drive and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLA's 258 lb-ft. However, the CLA counters with a 6 MPG combined fuel economy advantage (30 MPG vs. 24 MPG) and a lower required fuel cost consideration due to superior efficiency, despite its $44,400 MSRP being $4,480 more than the GR Corolla's $39,920 starting price. Furthermore, the GR Corolla offers 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, substantially eclipsing the CLA's 11.6 cu ft, but the Mercedes-Benz achieves superior highway fuel economy at 36 MPG versus the Toyota's 28 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the commuter winner due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla offers significantly more utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA-Class's 11.6 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla definitively appeals to driving enthusiasts with 300 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla provides superior power and cargo volume for a $4,480 lower MSRP.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize maximum efficiency, achieving 36 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the longer overall body length of 184.6 inches for a more substantial road presence.
- You desire the smoother driving experience associated with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- Your primary focus is maximum output, benefiting from 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
- You require maximum utility, supported by 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- You seek the assured traction provided by standard All-Wheel Drive combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 173.6" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.8" |
| Height | 56.7" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 103.9" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| 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. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.9 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 | — | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.5 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
What is the main functional difference between the drivetrains of the 2025 CLA-Class and the 2026 GR Corolla?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class utilizes a Front Wheel Drive system paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the GR Corolla features a performance-oriented All Wheel Drive system mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class compared to the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?
The CLA-Class has an MSRP of $44,400, making it $4,480 more expensive than the GR Corolla's starting price of $39,920.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy metrics?
The CLA-Class wins significantly on efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG better than the GR Corolla's 24 MPG combined rating. The CLA also pulls ahead in highway cruising efficiency at 36 MPG versus 28 MPG.
If I need maximum hauling capacity, which body style is superior?
The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, classified as a hatchback, provides substantially more usable space with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The CLA-Class sedan is limited to just 11.6 cubic feet.
Is the power difference between these two cars substantial?
Yes, the power difference is substantial; the GR Corolla produces 300 horsepower, which is 79 hp more than the CLA-Class's 221 hp output.
Do either of these models require premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla specify premium unleaded as the required fuel type for optimal performance.
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