2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA bursts onto the scene with its sleek, modern sedan profile, promising entry-level luxury efficiency boasting 30 MPG combined, though it demands a $42,750 entry fee and runs on standard front-wheel drive with 221 hp. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR86 is a raw, focused sports coupe dedicated solely to driving pleasure, hitting 228 hp while keeping the price thrillingly low at $30,800, but its 20 MPG combined reflects its performance mandate. The CLA offers 11.6 cu ft of pragmatic space against the GR86's tighter 6.3 cu ft, presenting a clear choice between sophisticated practicality and unfiltered fun. The $11,950 cost gulf and the 8 MPG efficiency gap define this comparison: one is a stylish gateway to prestige, the other, an undiluted blast of rear-wheel-drive excitement, despite the CLA being 16.7 inches longer.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA's superior combined MPG of 30 easily outpaces the GR86 for daily driving cost savings.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The CLA sedan body style offers substantially more usable cargo capacity at 11.6 cu ft compared to the GR86's meager 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 provides the pure engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission and classic rear-wheel drive dynamics.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 saves the buyer $11,950 on the initial purchase price while offering slightly more peak horsepower (228 hp vs 221 hp).
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the CLA achieves a 30 MPG combined rating.
- You require daily usability, featuring a sedan body and 11.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You seek the prestige and modern design associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand at the $42,750 starting point.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You prioritize driving engagement, benefiting from the 6-speed manual and RWD layout.
- Your budget demands a sub-$31,000 sports car, costing $11,950 less than the CLA.
- You value outright power output, as the GR86 produces 228 hp compared to the CLA's 221 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz CLA | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.6" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.0" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.7" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/36 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/486.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.7 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The CLA boasts a significant efficiency advantage, delivering 30 MPG combined, which is exactly 8 MPG better than the 2026 Toyota GR86’s 22 MPG combined rating.
Which car offers better performance specifications based purely on output?
While both use premium unleaded, the GR86 slightly edges out the CLA in peak power, generating 228 hp against the CLA’s 221 hp, and it features a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
What is the practical difference in cargo space between these two vehicles?
The CLA sedan offers nearly double the utility with 11.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the GR86 coupe is restricted to just 6.3 cu ft.
Why is the GR86 so much cheaper than the CLA?
The primary factor is brand positioning; the GR86 starts at $30,800 focused on sports driving purity, while the CLA starts at $42,750 as an entry-point luxury sedan.
Does the drive type significantly impact driving feel?
Yes, the GR86's rear-wheel drive configuration is ideal for dynamic handling and spirited driving, contrasting sharply with the CLA’s standard front-wheel drive setup.
Are both cars the same size for parking purposes?
No, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is longer at 184.6 inches compared to the much shorter and nimbler GR86 at 167.9 inches.
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