2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the $9,535 MSRP gap, with the Jetta GLI starting at $33,215 versus the CLA's $42,750. Despite the price variance, the GLI extracts slightly more power, boasting 228 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp, though both deliver an identical 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures are identical across the board, both achieving a combined 30 MPG (26 city/36 highway) requiring premium fuel. Dimensions show the CLA is slightly wider at 72.0 inches versus the Jetta's 70.8 inches, while the Jetta offers superior utility with 14.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CLA's 11.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the GLI standardizes a 6-speed manual, whereas the CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI's marginally lower premium fuel requirement (recommended vs. required) and lower initial cost offer better ongoing practicality for daily driving.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI offers a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, which is often preferred by driving enthusiasts over the CLA's 8-speed automated manual.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI offers 7 more horsepower for $9,535 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLA, indicating superior price-to-performance value.
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...
- Your budget requires an MSRP under $34,000, as the GLI starts at $33,215.
- You prefer the engagement of a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
- You require maximum trunk space, with 14.1 cu ft available compared to 11.6 cu ft in the competitor.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You prefer a wider stance, as the CLA measures 72.0 inches wide versus the GLI's 70.8 inches.
- You prefer the refinement associated with an 8-speed automated manual transmission for city driving.
- You are prioritizing the badge prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand name despite the $42,750 entry price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Jetta GLI | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.9" | 184.6" |
| Width | 70.8" | 72.0" |
| Height | 57.3" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.6" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 343.2/475.2 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Beats Audio | — |
| Stereo Power | 400W | — |
| Speaker System | 9 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/45R H | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the key drivetrain difference between the 2025 Jetta GLI and the 2026 CLA?
The Jetta GLI comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission paired with its 228 hp engine. In contrast, the 2026 CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission mated to its 221 hp powertrain.
How does the cargo capacity compare for practical use?
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI offers 14.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, providing a clear advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which is rated at 11.6 cubic feet in the trunk.
Is one car significantly more fuel-efficient than the other?
No, both sedans share identical efficiency ratings across the board, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway) and both stipulate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
How substantial is the price difference between these two models?
There is a significant $9,535 price disparity, with the Jetta GLI starting at $33,215 while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is listed at an MSRP of $42,750.
Does the performance gap favor the Jetta GLI?
Yes, the Jetta GLI holds a slight advantage with 228 horsepower versus the CLA's 221 horsepower, although both vehicles achieve the exact same 258 lb-ft of torque.
Are there differences in physical footprint dimensions?
Yes, the 2026 CLA is slightly wider at 72.0 inches compared to the GLI's 70.8 inches, but the Jetta is marginally taller at 57.3 inches versus the CLA's 56.7 inches.
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