2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru WRX explodes onto the scene with its aggressive 271 hp boxer engine, promising raw, unfiltered driver engagement through its standard six-speed manual transmission and legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a sculpted, coupe-like silhouette matched with superior efficiency, sipping premium fuel to achieve an impressive 30 MPG combined. This comparison pits brute force against sophisticated polish: the WRX delivers 50 more horsepower than the CLA's 221 hp, while the CLA counters with an 8 MPG advantage in fuel economy. Priced at $37,750, the Subaru undercuts the Mercedes by $5,000, making it a compelling bargain for performance seekers. While both are compact sedans, the WRX is marginally smaller at 183.8 inches long, whereas the CLA emphasizes aerodynamics, resulting in a lower 56.7-inch height compared to the Subaru’s 57.8 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy versus the WRX's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX offers slightly more utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX thrills enthusiasts with its higher 271 hp output and the tactile satisfaction of a true 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX provides significantly more horsepower for $5,000 less than the starting MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You demand maximum performance, as the WRX boasts 271 hp.
- You prefer the visceral connection of a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission.
- You need the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by the CLA’s 36 MPG highway rating.
- You desire the sophisticated styling associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
- You prefer the smoother, quicker shifting of an 8-speed automated manual gearbox.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru WRX | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.8" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 57.8" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.4/431.6 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 36.7 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 245/40R | 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 WRX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Which car offers better straight-line acceleration?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is undoubtedly quicker off the line, thanks to its 271 hp, which substantially outperforms the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp.
Is the higher fuel economy of the CLA worth the lower power rating?
The CLA achieves a combined 30 MPG versus the WRX’s 22 MPG, translating to significant annual savings, but you sacrifice 50 horsepower in the process.
How does the standard drivetrain setup differ between these two sedans?
The Subaru WRX comes standard with a performance-oriented All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 6-speed manual, while the CLA uses a Front Wheel Drive setup coupled with an 8-speed automated manual.
What is the price difference at the base level?
The 2025 Subaru WRX starts at an MSRP of $37,750, making it $5,000 cheaper than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which starts at $42,750.
Are both cars significantly different in exterior size?
They are similar in footprint; the CLA is slightly longer at 184.6 inches compared to the WRX's 183.8 inches, but the CLA is notably lower in height (56.7 inches vs 57.8 inches).
Which vehicle requires premium fuel?
Both the 2025 Subaru WRX (recommended) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA (required) mandate the use of premium unleaded gasoline for optimal or necessary performance.
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