2026 Cadillac CT5 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2026 Cadillac CT5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA often boils down to prioritizing luxury presence versus daily running costs. Buyers face a significant $5,850 initial outlay difference, with the CT5 starting at $48,600 compared to the CLA's $42,750. While the Cadillac offers a bit more power with 237 hp versus the CLA's 221 hp, the smaller Mercedes dominates on efficiency. The CLA delivers a combined 30 MPG, noticeably better than the CT5's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the CLA offers better highway cruising, hitting 36 MPG compared to the CT5's 32 MPG on the highway. Despite the MPG advantage, both vehicles offer similar utility, with cargo capacities of 11.9 cu ft for the CT5 and 11.6 cu ft for the CLA. This comparison pits American rear-wheel-drive performance against European front-wheel-drive economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the superior commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the CT5's 26 MPG.
2026 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 offers slightly more usable space with marginally larger dimensions (193.8 inches long) and a slightly bigger trunk at 11.9 cu ft.
2026 Cadillac CT5
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the CT5's traditional rear-wheel-drive layout and higher 237 hp output over the CLA's front-wheel-drive setup.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA wins on value by saving the buyer $5,850 upfront while also providing better combined fuel efficiency.
Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...
- You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics of rear-wheel drive architecture.
- You desire the slightly higher peak output of 237 horsepower for your driving.
- You need the marginally larger cargo hold measuring 11.9 cubic feet.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- Your priority is minimizing fuel stops, given its 30 MPG combined efficiency.
- You want to save $5,850 on the initial purchase price.
- You prefer the efficiency and tighter maneuverability associated with front-wheel drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Cadillac CT5 | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.8" | 184.6" |
| Width | 74.1" | 72.0" |
| Height | 57.2" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 116.0" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 10-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) | 23/32 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.0/544.0 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 33.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | AKG | — |
| Speaker System | 15 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Cadillac | 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 | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.7 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 245/45R18 | 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 CT5 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Is the extra cost of the Cadillac CT5 justified by its performance compared to the CLA?
The CT5 costs $5,850 more and offers 237 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp; however, that extra performance comes with a trade-off in efficiency, as the CT5 only achieves 26 MPG combined.
Which car is better for long highway commutes regarding fuel savings?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is significantly better for highway commutes, delivering 36 MPG on the highway compared to the CT5's 32 MPG highway rating.
Does the difference in transmission type matter between these two sedans?
Yes, the CT5 uses a traditional 10-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the CLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, offering potentially different driving feedback.
How similar are the cargo capacities of the CT5 and the CLA?
The capacities are very close; the Cadillac CT5 offers 11.9 cubic feet, which is only slightly larger than the CLA's 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space.
Are both cars designed to run on the same type of gasoline?
While both recommend premium fuel, the Cadillac CT5 recommends it, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA actually requires premium unleaded fuel for operation.
Which sedan is physically larger on the road?
The Cadillac CT5 is the larger vehicle, measuring 193.8 inches in length and 74.1 inches in width, making it noticeably bigger than the CLA.
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