2026 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 bursts onto the scene radiating traditional American sport sedan energy with its powerful 237 hp and standard rear-wheel-drive dynamics, challenging the sleek, style-focused 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA. While the CT4 leads emphatically in performance metrics, boasting 16 more horsepower than the CLA's 221 hp, the Mercedes counters with superior efficiency, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Cadillac's 26. The CLA also offers slightly more practical space with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft. However, the pricing disparity is massive: the CT4 starts at a compelling $35,600, undercutting the CLA's $42,750 MSRP by $7,150. This creates a fascinating battle between raw, RWD performance DNA and sophisticated, FWD efficiency wrapped in aspirational design, forcing buyers to weigh driving feel against substantial upfront cost savings and better long-term fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins for daily commuting due to its 30 combined MPG, significantly better than the CT4's 26 MPG.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA offers marginally more utility with a larger 11.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CT4's 10.7 cu ft.
2026 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 237 hp output and classic rear-wheel-drive configuration.
2026 Cadillac CT4
The Cadillac CT4 presents outstanding value by saving the buyer $7,150 on the initial purchase price.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- You prioritize raw power, as the CT4 delivers 237 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp.
- You prefer the feel of a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform for spirited driving.
- You need to keep the initial purchase price low, starting at only $35,600.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, evidenced by its 36 highway MPG rating.
- You desire the lower ride height and slightly wider stance of the Mercedes-Benz design.
- You want a mandatory premium unleaded requirement, signaling its highly tuned powertrain.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.0" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 109.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/32 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 374.0/544.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 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 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.5 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.4 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.9 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | P225/45R17 | 225/45R18 |
| Tire Type | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 CT4 and the 2026 CLA?
The Cadillac CT4 clearly leads in straight-line performance, offering 237 hp, which is 16 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 hp. Furthermore, the CT4 uses a rear-wheel-drive layout, contrasting with the CLA's front-wheel-drive setup, suggesting different dynamic characteristics.
How much money can I save by choosing the Cadillac CT4 over the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The financial advantage for the Cadillac is significant; the CT4 starts at $35,600, while the CLA is priced at $42,750. This results in an upfront saving of $7,150 by opting for the CT4.
Which sedan is the better choice for long-distance highway travel in terms of fuel consumption?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the efficiency champion here, boasting 36 highway MPG compared to the CT4's 32 highway MPG. The CLA also achieves a better overall combined rating of 30 MPG.
Do both cars require the same type of fuel?
No, the fuel requirements differ. The 2026 Cadillac CT4 recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel for operation.
Is there a noticeable difference in their physical size or utility?
While both are compact sedans, the CLA is slightly smaller in length (184.6 inches vs. 187.2 inches) but is slightly wider (72.0 inches vs. 71.4 inches). The CLA also offers marginally superior utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 10.7 cu ft in the CT4.
How do the transmissions compare in the base models?
Both vehicles use an 8-speed automatic setup, but the nature of the gearbox differs significantly. The CT4 features a traditional shiftable automatic transmission, while the CLA utilizes an automated manual.
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