2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
Deciding between sophisticated style and raw driving fun is a classic automotive quandary, especially when comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Toyota GR86. The CLA-Class demands a significant financial commitment, starting at $44,400, but it delivers a more composed experience with a respectable 30 MPG combined. Contrast this with the GR86, which hits the pavement at just $30,800, saving you $13,600 upfront, yet it trails in efficiency with only 22 MPG combined. While the Mercedes offers 221 horsepower, the GR86 slightly edges it out with 228 hp, albeit with less torque (184 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft). Furthermore, the CLA offers nearly double the utility, boasting 11.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's tight 6.3 cu ft, illustrating the trade-off between luxury practicality and focused sportiness in this matchup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes CLA wins for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG compared to the GR86's 22 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA is the clear choice for families because its sedan body offers 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its engaging rear-wheel-drive platform and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers far better value, costing $13,600 less than the Mercedes CLA-Class.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if...
- You prioritize efficiency and want to achieve 36 MPG on the highway.
- You require a higher level of refinement and more physical space, with a length of 184.6 inches.
- You are comfortable paying the $44,400 MSRP for luxury features, despite requiring premium fuel.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your budget is tight, as the GR86 starts $13,600 cheaper at $30,800.
- You prefer the pure engagement of a rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You value slightly higher peak horsepower (228 hp) over maximum torque (258 lb-ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.0" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 101.4" |
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 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 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 |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| 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 GR86.
Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class practical for daily driving compared to the GR86?
Yes, the CLA-Class is far more practical, offering 30 MPG combined versus the GR86's 22 MPG, which saves money on fuel costs over time. Additionally, its sedan body style provides a usable 11.6 cu ft of cargo space for errands.
What is the primary difference in driving dynamics between these two cars?
The GR86 is engineered for spirited driving with its rear-wheel-drive setup and manual transmission, making it feel more connected to the road. The CLA-Class is front-wheel-drive and focused more on luxury cruising, despite having slightly less horsepower at 221 hp.
Does the higher price of the Mercedes CLA justify its fuel economy?
The CLA costs $44,400 MSRP compared to $30,800 for the GR86, meaning you pay $13,600 more upfront for better efficiency (30 MPG vs 22 MPG). Whether the 8 MPG difference is worth the extra cost depends entirely on your annual mileage.
Which vehicle is smaller in physical size?
The Toyota GR86 is the significantly smaller vehicle across the board, measuring 167.9 inches long and 51.6 inches tall. The CLA-Class is longer at 184.6 inches and taller at 56.7 inches, contributing to its increased interior volume.
Do both cars require expensive premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the 2026 Toyota GR86 specify that premium unleaded fuel is required for optimal performance.
Is the GR86’s lower torque a major issue for everyday driving?
While the GR86 produces only 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the CLA's 258 lb-ft, its lighter weight and focus on higher-revving performance mean it still feels lively, especially when paired with its manual transmission.
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