2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru BRZ and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the $9,540 MSRP gap, with the BRZ starting at $33,210 versus the CLA's $42,750. Performance metrics are split: the BRZ generates higher peak horsepower at 228 hp against the CLA's 221 hp, but the CLA counters with significantly higher torque at 258 lb-ft compared to the BRZ's 184 lb-ft. Fuel economy heavily favors the CLA, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the BRZ's 22 combined MPG, translating to a substantial 8 MPG difference. Dimensions also separate them; the CLA is longer at 184.6 inches and offers 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly eclipsing the BRZ's restrictive 6.3 cu ft. Both demand premium fuel, but the BRZ utilizes a traditional 6-speed manual while the CLA employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers superior fuel economy at 30 combined MPG, making it more cost-effective for daily travel than the BRZ's 22 MPG rating.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
With 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity and a sedan body style, the CLA provides substantially more utility than the coupe-only BRZ with only 6.3 cu ft of space.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The 2025 Subaru BRZ is the choice for driving purists, offering 228 hp and a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission paired with a dedicated RWD layout.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ presents a much lower barrier to entry at $33,210 compared to the CLA's $42,750 MSRP for a dedicated RWD sports platform.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You prioritize driver engagement via the 6-speed manual transmission and Rear Wheel Drive platform.
- Your budget is strictly limited, as the BRZ has an MSRP $9,540 lower than the CLA.
- You prefer a peak horsepower advantage, delivering 228 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, given the CLA achieves 30 combined MPG compared to the BRZ's 22 MPG.
- You require more usable space, benefiting from 11.6 cu ft of cargo volume and a larger sedan structure.
- You seek higher low-end pulling power, as the CLA boasts 258 lb-ft of torque versus the BRZ's 184 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru BRZ | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.9" | 184.6" |
| Width | 69.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 51.6" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm | 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 | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/356.4 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 33.5 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.2 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 215/45R | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary powertrain difference affecting acceleration feel between the two vehicles?
The 2026 CLA compensates for lower horsepower (221 hp) with significantly more torque (258 lb-ft) managed by an 8-speed automated manual, suggesting stronger low-speed responsiveness. Conversely, the BRZ relies on its 228 hp output managed by a pure 6-speed manual transmission for a more direct driver connection.
Which vehicle is mandated to use premium unleaded fuel?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel. This is a standard requirement for the BRZ's high-compression naturally aspirated engine and likely for the CLA's turbocharged powertrain.
How much larger is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA in overall dimensions compared to the 2025 Subaru BRZ?
The CLA is substantially larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length compared to the BRZ's 167.9 inches, and it is also wider and taller, reflecting its sedan body style versus the BRZ's low-slung coupe design.
Does the difference in MPG significantly affect annual operating costs?
Yes, the 8 MPG difference (30 combined MPG for CLA vs. 22 for BRZ) will result in considerably lower annual fuel expenses for the CLA, assuming similar premium fuel prices and annual mileage.
Is the BRZ practical for carrying more than one passenger's luggage?
The 2025 Subaru BRZ has only 6.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is severely limited; the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers 11.6 cu ft, nearly double the space, making it much more suitable for practical loading.
Comparing the MSRPs, is the price difference less than the difference in horsepower?
The MSRP difference is $9,540, while the horsepower difference is only 7 hp (228 hp for BRZ vs. 221 hp for CLA), confirming the price gap is far more substantial than the modest peak power discrepancy.
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