Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA for Sale near Virginia

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost?

Prices have softened 10.24% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 332 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

The CLA is positioned as a compact luxury car that finally feels worthy of the badge, with sharp styling, a high-class interior, and energetic performance. It works best if you want a small Mercedes that emphasizes style, tech, and driving enjoyment over rear-seat space or maximum practicality.

The main trade-offs are a cramped back seat and poor value for money, so you should weigh those against its premium presentation and fun-to-drive character. Good and great deals account for 35.8% of listings, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The CLA is described as a significant improvement over the earlier version, with a more legitimate luxury feel than the model it replaced. Its turbocharged powertrains, upscale cabin, and advanced interface all point to a car that feels more polished than its predecessor.

The performance notes also emphasize taut, playful handling and a well-weighted steering feel, while the cost-effectiveness notes highlight strong fuel economy for the base model. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the car’s premium features and packaging can make it less forgiving if you need space, comfort, or value.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any car you’re considering, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the cabin electronics, ride quality, and any signs of hard use, since this model leans heavily on technology and premium features.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The CLA 250 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, five USB ports, power-adjustable sport seats, and HD radio, while the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 add the Premium Package and build on that equipment.
• Powertrain: The CLA 250 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the AMG CLA 35 makes 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the AMG CLA 45 produces 382 hp and 354 lb-ft.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound.
• Infotainment: The standard MBUX system uses 7-inch digital screens, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can be controlled by touchscreen, center-console dial, voice recognition, and steering-wheel touch controls. An available Premium Package upgrades to 10.25-inch screens and adds satellite radio.
• Fuel efficiency: The base FWD CLA 250 returns 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The CLA 250 4Matic returns 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, while the AMG CLA 35 returns 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is offered in 3 trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45.

Here's the short version:

• CLA 250: This is the best-value choice if you want the CLA’s sharp styling, upscale cabin, and strong tech without paying for the AMG upgrades. It gives you the core experience, including the standard MBUX system and the model’s efficient base powertrain.
• AMG CLA 35: Choose this if you want a noticeable jump in performance while keeping the CLA’s premium feel and technology. It adds more power and standard AWD, making it the better fit if driving enjoyment matters more than budget.
• AMG CLA 45: This is the pick if you want the most powerful and quickest version, with the most aggressive performance character in the lineup. It makes sense if you’re prioritizing speed over value.

The CLA 250 and AMG trims all include the same core safety equipment, while the Driver Assistance package remains optional across the range.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 332 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.24% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $24,229, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA's resale value?

The current average of $24,229 sits slightly below last year's $26,992.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point. If you plan to resell later, the current pricing trend means your future value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the CLA is a premium model with strong styling and technology appeal, well-kept examples should remain easier to market than neglected ones. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA safe?

The CLA earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

It comes with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and crosswind assist as standard equipment. If you want more advanced protection, the Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound.

That package-based setup means you should check carefully whether a used example has the safety features you want. The main caveat is that several desirable driver-assistance features are not standard, so trim and option content matter a lot here.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.24% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 carries over the improved, upscale compact-luxury formula with sharp styling and strong tech.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,855, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $24,229 average.
• It was redesigned for 2020 and brought a more dramatic, upscale feel to the CLA.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping opportunity, the 2021 is the safer pick because pricing has eased and inventory is still healthy. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the value path to consider, especially if you find one in strong condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.