2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$44,400 · Sedan

$33,745 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class captivates with its sculpted design and premium aspirations, starting at a significant $44,400, aiming for luxury appeal despite offering 221 hp. Conversely, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI sprints onto the scene as the driver’s budget champion, packing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for only $33,745—a staggering $10,655 less than the Benz. While both deliver a shared 30 MPG combined efficiency, the CLA is slightly more compact at 184.6 inches long, whereas the GLI boasts superior utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. The German rivals present a fascinating choice: status and high-tech polish versus raw, accessible performance delivered through a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI wins for commuters due to its $10,655 lower MSRP, offering comparable 30 MPG efficiency without the premium fuel requirement of the CLA.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the superior family choice, offering 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's limited 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Enthusiasts will prefer the Jetta GLI's standard 6-speed manual transmission and marginally higher 228 hp output over the CLA's automated manual.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI provides significantly more performance and utility for $10,655 less than the base price of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

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

You prioritize the prestige and styling associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand for $44,400.
You prefer the marginally narrower stance (72.0 inches wide) and shorter overall length (184.6 inches) of the CLA.
You prefer an 8-speed automated manual transmission experience over a traditional shifter.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

You demand the most engaging driving dynamics via a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
You want 228 hp performance while keeping the initial outlay significantly lower at $33,745.
You need more usable trunk space, as the GLI offers 14.1 cu ft versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	184.6"	186.9"
Width	72.0"	70.8"
Height	56.7"	57.3"
Wheelbase	107.4"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Volkswagen
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	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/36 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/486.0 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
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	—	8
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	55.9 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	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	—	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	35.7 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	54.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	51.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	225/45R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

How does the claimed power output compare between the two sedans?

The 2026 VW Jetta GLI leads with 228 horsepower, edging out the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which produces 221 hp; however, both vehicles share an identical 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the fuel economy significantly different for city driving?

No, the stated fuel efficiency is identical, as both the CLA-Class and the Jetta GLI are rated at 26 MPG in city driving conditions.

Which vehicle requires a specific type of gasoline for operation?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics, whereas the 2026 Jetta GLI only recommends it.

What is the primary difference in transmission technology?

The Mercedes-Benz utilizes an 8-speed automated manual for seamless shifting, while the Volkswagen focuses on driver engagement by offering a classic 6-speed manual standard.

If I carry a lot of luggage, which sedan offers better utility?

The 2026 Jetta GLI is significantly better for cargo, providing 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is nearly 2.5 cubic feet more than the 11.6 cu ft found in the CLA-Class.

Why is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class so much more expensive?

The significant $10,655 price gap reflects the CLA-Class's positioning as an entry-level luxury vehicle, commanding a premium for its badge, design language, and higher base MSRP of $44,400.