2025 Toyota GR86 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Toyota GR86 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the CLA demanding a significant premium of $12,350 ($42,750 vs $30,400). This price gap is offset by tangible efficiency gains in the Mercedes, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating compared to the GR86's 22 MPG combined rating, translating to an 8 MPG difference. Furthermore, the CLA offers superior utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the GR86's 6.3 cu ft, despite the Toyota producing slightly more horsepower at 228 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp. However, the CLA counters with substantially higher torque (258 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft) and a larger overall footprint (184.6 inches long vs. 167.9 inches). The drivetrain philosophies also contrast sharply: RWD manual GR86 versus FWD automated 8-speed CLA.
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 and sedan body style offering better practicality.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA offers significantly more utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is crucial for family needs compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Toyota GR86
The 2025 Toyota GR86 is preferred by driving purists for its dedicated rear-wheel-drive layout and traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $30,400, providing 228 hp for nearly $12,350 less than the competitor.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You prioritize driver engagement via the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- Your budget mandates an entry price under $31,000 (MSRP of $30,400).
- You value having slightly higher peak horsepower (228 hp vs. 221 hp) in a lighter platform.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Maximum fuel economy is essential, provided by the CLA's 30 MPG combined rating.
- You require higher low-end pulling power, evidenced by 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You need more storage space, as the CLA provides 11.6 cu ft compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota GR86 | 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 | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | Toyota | 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 | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/343.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | 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. |
| 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 | 33.5 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 215/45R17 | 225/45R18 |
| 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 GR86 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Which vehicle requires a higher grade of fuel?
Both the 2025 Toyota GR86 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA explicitly require premium unleaded fuel according to their specifications. There is no difference in fuel grade requirement between these two performance-oriented vehicles.
How does the standard transmission choice affect the driving experience?
The GR86 comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering direct driver control desired by enthusiasts. Conversely, the CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which prioritizes quick, automatic shifting efficiency suitable for stop-and-go traffic.
What is the significance of the different drive types?
The GR86 uses a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration, typically associated with balanced handling characteristics. The CLA employs a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, which generally benefits fuel economy and traction in low-grip conditions.
Is the Mercedes CLA significantly larger than the Toyota GR86?
Yes, the CLA is substantially larger, measuring 184.6 inches in length compared to the GR86's 167.9 inches. This length differential contributes to the CLA's greater cabin space and its significantly larger 11.6 cu ft cargo area.
How do the torque figures compare between the two cars?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA possesses notably more torque at 258 lb-ft than the 2025 Toyota GR86, which outputs 184 lb-ft. This means the CLA is likely to feel stronger during acceleration from lower speeds.
What is the primary advantage of the CLA's automated transmission over the GR86's manual regarding MPG?
The CLA's 8-speed automated manual likely contributes to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined. The GR86's manual results in a lower 22 MPG combined rating.
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