Used Mercedes-Benz CLA for Sale near Illinois

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in today's market?

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Mercedes-Benz CLA's current nationwide average price is $24,734, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,734. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

Yes — the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a strong choice if you want style, a premium cabin, and a smooth driving experience in a compact luxury package. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the CLA for its stylish design, luxurious feel, and modern features. The model also earns recurring praise for its smooth driving experience and overall sense of value, especially among shoppers who want a premium car with a distinctive personality.

Expert reviews rate the 2026 and 2021 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in expert feedback are underwhelming base power, a polarizing design, and advanced safety features that are not standard.

36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz CLA models reliable?

Owners consistently rate the Mercedes-Benz CLA highly for style, comfort, and the upscale feel it brings to daily driving. Expert feedback also points to a refined cabin and a smooth, confident driving experience as recurring strengths.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz CLA between 4 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by choosing a well-documented example and checking service history carefully, especially on older model years.

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

Across all model years, at 72.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: The CLA gets a class-exclusive center airbag, and standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
• Infotainment: The 2026 CLA includes a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch center display, the fourth generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which Mercedes-Benz CLA trim should I buy?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers these trims:

• CLA 250+: The rear-wheel-drive entry model pairs the 268-hp single-motor setup with the 85-kWh battery, the 10.25-inch driver display, the 14-inch center display, and the comfortable, confident ride; it is the best-value choice if you want the CLA’s core tech and range-focused character.
• CLA 350 4Matic: The all-wheel-drive upgrade adds dual motors with 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, plus quicker acceleration for buyers who want more performance and traction.

What Mercedes-Benz CLA do most buyers choose?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA years with the most listings are 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Higher-volume years tend to be the easiest to shop because you usually get more choice in colors, equipment, and pricing. They also tend to attract more listings in the strongest-condition examples, which can make it easier to find a good deal.

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

The table shows broad downward movement across the CLA lineup, which can work in your favor if you’re shopping used. Several recent model years have seen especially sharp drops, while a few older years have declined more slowly.

The 2022, 2016, and 2017 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA safe?

• 2026: 8/10
• 2021: 8/10
• 2020: 7/10
• 2017: 8/10
• 2014: 4/10

The CLA gets a class-exclusive center airbag that deploys from the driver’s seatback and comes standard on every CLA model. Standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.

For the safest used buy, the 2017, 2021 and 2026 models all post the highest confirmed score of 8/10.

Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLA now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −25.44% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −11.42%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 37.9% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 39.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $32,523. The Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a stylish, upscale cabin and a smooth, refined driving experience that make it feel more premium than many compact luxury sedans.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest CLA pairs an 85-kWh battery with either 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque or 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, plus a two-speed transmission and 800-volt fast charging that can add over 200 miles of range in 10 minutes.
• Tech: The latest CLA brings a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch center display, the fourth generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: The latest CLA adds a class-exclusive center airbag and standard driver aids including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
• Starting price: Mercedes has not yet released pricing for the electric CLA, but it is expected to start right around $60,000.

If you're buying used today, the 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA compare to the 2022 BMW 2 Series?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.