2025 Volvo S60 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The stage is set for a duel between Scandinavian serenity and German sleekness. The 2025 Volvo S60 captivates with its robust 247 hp engine and a slightly larger footprint at 188.1 inches long, promising a composed, refined drive powered by its standard FWD setup. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA counters with breathtaking, coupe-like styling and a required premium fuel mandate, despite offering 221 hp. Both sedans lock horns achieving an identical 30 MPG combined, yet the Volvo slightly edges out efficiency in the city with 27 MPG versus the CLA's 26 MPG. While pricing is nearly identical at $42,600 (S60) versus $42,750 (CLA), the Volvo delivers a measurable 26 hp advantage. Both manage 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, confirming these are intimate, driver-focused luxury entries prioritizing design over sheer hauling capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 offers slightly better city fuel economy at 27 MPG compared to the CLA's 26 MPG, making its daily grind marginally cheaper.
2025 Volvo S60
The 2025 Volvo S60 is marginally longer (188.1 inches vs. 184.6 inches), suggesting a fraction more interior real estate for rear occupants.
2025 Volvo S60
With 247 hp against the CLA's 221 hp, the S60 provides a tangible surge in straight-line performance.
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 costs $150 less at the MSRP, delivering 26 more horsepower for a slightly better entry price point.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You prioritize maximum power and seek the 247 hp output from the base engine.
- You prefer a standard automatic transmission over an automated manual.
- You desire slightly better city fuel efficiency, achieving 27 MPG.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- The sweeping, coupe-like silhouette of the 2026 CLA design is your ultimate priority.
- You are willing to pay a small premium ($150) for the iconic Mercedes-Benz badge.
- You insist on using only required premium fuel, as the S60 only recommends it.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo S60 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.1" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.8" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.6" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 113.1" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/36 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 429.3/572.4 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| 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 | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 225/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | 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 | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 S60 and the 2026 CLA?
The 2025 Volvo S60 boasts a significant power advantage, producing 247 horsepower, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is rated at 221 horsepower. Both vehicles share the same 258 lb-ft of torque, but the S60's extra 26 hp will translate to quicker acceleration runs.
How do the fuel economy figures compare for these two front-wheel-drive sedans?
Both cars achieve a solid 30 MPG combined. For stop-and-go city driving, the Volvo S60 is marginally superior with 27 MPG in the city versus the CLA's 26 MPG rating, although both hit 36 MPG on the highway.
Are the cargo capacities drastically different for daily usability?
No, both the Volvo S60 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA are identical in usable trunk space, each offering 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This suggests neither car prioritizes luggage volume significantly over passenger comfort or design.
Which vehicle has a smaller physical footprint?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the more compact vehicle, measuring 184.6 inches in length and 72.0 inches in width. The 2025 Volvo S60 is slightly larger overall, spanning 188.1 inches long and 72.8 inches wide.
Is there a major difference in the required or recommended fuel type?
Yes, while both cars recommend premium fuel for peak performance, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA requires premium unleaded fuel for operation. The 2025 Volvo S60 lists it as recommended, offering flexibility for the owner.
How do the starting MSRPs compare for these luxury compact sedans?
The starting prices are extremely close; the 2025 Volvo S60 kicks off at $42,600, making it $150 cheaper than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, which is listed at $42,750.
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