2025 Toyota GR Corolla vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the substantial 79 horsepower disparity, with the GR Corolla producing 300 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp, alongside 295 lb-ft of torque to the CLA's 258 lb-ft. This power advantage is reflected in the higher MSRP of the GR Corolla, which starts at $39,160 compared to the CLA's $42,750. However, the CLA counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 30 MPG while the GR Corolla manages only 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the CLA is physically larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length compared to the Corolla's 173.6 inches. Despite the size difference, the Corolla offers superior utility, boasting 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity against the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. Both require premium unleaded fuel and utilize an all-wheel-drive system for the GR Corolla versus the CLA's front-wheel drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG versus the GR Corolla's 24 MPG.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla offers significantly more cargo volume at 17.8 cu ft compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla clearly appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla presents better immediate value by being $3,590 cheaper while offering 79 more horsepower.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- Maximum power output is the priority, evidenced by its 300 hp rating.
- A traditional 6-speed manual transmission is desired over an automated gearbox.
- Cargo capacity is important, with 17.8 cu ft available compared to 11.6 cu ft.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, as the CLA achieves 30 combined MPG versus 24 MPG.
- A slightly larger footprint (184.6 inches long) is preferable for ride dynamics.
- The driver prefers a front-wheel drive setup with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota GR Corolla | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.6" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.8" | 72.0" |
| Height | 57.2" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 277.2/369.6 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| 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 | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 235/40R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 GR Corolla and the 2026 CLA?
The GR Corolla utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive and an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
How significant is the performance gap based on the provided specifications?
The performance gap is substantial; the GR Corolla delivers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 79 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the CLA's 221 hp and 258 lb-ft.
Which vehicle provides better long-term running economy?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers better running economy, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The GR Corolla is less efficient at 24 combined MPG (21 city/28 highway).
Is the difference in MSRP justified by the specifications?
The CLA has an MSRP of $42,750, making it $3,590 more expensive than the GR Corolla's $39,160, but the GR Corolla compensates for the lower price with substantially more power.
Does the larger physical size of the CLA translate to better cargo space?
No, despite being over 11 inches longer (184.6 inches vs. 173.6 inches), the GR Corolla hatchback offers significantly more cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft compared to the CLA sedan's 11.6 cu ft.
Are both vehicles able to use regular unleaded gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA specifically require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, as listed in their specifications.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool