2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
Deciding between sophisticated efficiency and raw power often trips up buyers looking at the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA and the 2026 Nissan Z. If your daily drive involves heavy city traffic and saving at the pump is key, the CLA is the clear frontrunner. The CLA boasts a combined 30 MPG compared to the Z's 20 MPG, translating to significant long-term fuel savings, even though both require premium fuel. The CLA's lower MSRP of $42,750 offers a slight entry cost advantage over the Z's $42,970. However, enthusiasts looking for performance will immediately gravitate to the Nissan Z, which unleashes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque—a massive 179 hp advantage over the CLA's 221 hp. The Z is shorter in length at 172.4 inches, making it nimble, but the CLA’s sedan body provides superior overall utility and easier rear access.
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.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The sedan body style and greater practicality of the CLA make it the only sensible choice over the strictly two-seat Nissan Z coupe.
2026 Nissan Z
The 2026 Nissan Z is the clear enthusiast pick, delivering 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Although both are similarly priced, the CLA offers substantially better running costs with a 10 MPG fuel economy lead.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You prioritize efficiency and can benefit from the 36 MPG highway rating.
- You need a vehicle with a slightly lower starting MSRP of $42,750.
- Your daily driving environment requires easier access and more practical cargo space than the 11.6 cu ft provided.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Maximum power is your top concern, highlighted by the Z's 400 hp output.
- You prefer the engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission paired with rear-wheel drive.
- You value torque (350 lb-ft) and handling prowess over fuel consumption differences.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 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 Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | — |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 245/45R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2026 Nissan Z.
Which car is significantly faster in a straight line?
The 2026 Nissan Z is dramatically faster, offering 400 horsepower compared to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA's 221 horsepower, a difference of 179 hp.
Does the fuel economy difference matter between these two?
Yes, the CLA achieves 30 MPG combined while the Z gets only 20 MPG combined, meaning the Mercedes costs significantly less to run every day.
Is the Nissan Z practical for carrying passengers?
No, the Nissan Z is a two-door coupe, whereas the CLA is a four-door sedan, making the CLA the far superior option for carrying more than one passenger regularly.
Which car requires less expensive fuel?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel; however, the CLA lists it as required while the Z lists it as recommended, which is a minor distinction.
How much larger is the Mercedes CLA overall?
The CLA is longer at 184.6 inches compared to the Z’s 172.4 inches, but they share a very similar width (72.0 in vs 72.6 in).
What is the advantage of the CLA's transmission?
The CLA utilizes an 8-speed automated manual, which offers efficiency benefits for commuting, unlike the Z's traditional 6-speed manual focused on driver connection.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool