2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2020 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA immediately stood out with its refined and elegant design. The new wedge-like headlights replaced the previous massive eagle-eye clusters, aligning the CLA more closely with its larger sibling, the CLS. The roof and trunk design gave the CLA a dramatic, almost boat-like appearance, reminiscent of the full-size S-Class Coupe. Inside, the CLA offered a luxurious and modern cabin with a multi-tier dash and vintage-looking climate vents. The ambient cabin lighting added a touch of sophistication, illuminating the various tiers and vents. The instrument screen and new infotainment screen formed a single sweeping panel across two-thirds of the dash, creating a stunning display. The CLA came in four variants: CLA 250, CLA 250 4Matic, AMG CLA 35 4Matic, and AMG CLA 45 4Matic. Standard equipment on the CLA 250 included LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, sport bucket seats, and a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and center-console trackpad. Our test model featured options like the AMG appearance package, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats, the ambient lighting package, a Burmester sound system, and a wireless charging pad for cell phones. The CLA's different tiers each included a different powertrain, and the options and packages were more a la carte.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 had a more understated yet powerful presence. The hood vents, dual exhaust system, Brembo front brake calipers, and LT1 badges signaled the presence of a 455-horsepower V8 engine. The Satin Steel Gray paint, plain gray cloth seats, and sparkly silver 20-inch wheels gave the Camaro a subtle yet aggressive look. The Camaro LT1 was available in both coupe and convertible configurations, with our test car being a coupe priced from $34,000. Options included a 10-speed automatic transmission and a dual-mode exhaust system, bringing the total to $37,585. The Camaro's interior had a retro-flavored theme with simple physical controls and unique climate controls integrated into the air vents. However, the interior materials felt cheap, and the back seats were cramped and uncomfortable. The trunk measured 9.1 cubic feet for the coupe, with a high liftover height and small opening.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered four different powertrain configurations. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA 250 sent power to the front wheels, while the CLA 250 4Matic added all-wheel drive. The CLA's steering was light yet refined, and its cornering was precise without being too stiff. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the CLA 250 4Matic at 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, with our test model achieving just over 25 mpg.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1, on the other hand, featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine making 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. It included a limited-slip rear differential, 4-piston Brembo front brakes, a performance-tuned suspension, and 20-inch wheels. The Camaro could accelerate to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in about 12.5 seconds. The Camaro's Alpha platform, shared with Cadillac ATS and CTS, provided excellent handling and dynamic performance. The Camaro averaged 18.6 mpg in the city and suburbs, finishing the entire loop at 20 mpg. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the dual-mode exhaust system was loud in Sport mode. However, the Camaro LT1 lacked GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which was available on the Camaro SS.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA had a raked rear window and tight back seats, making it difficult for adults to sit comfortably in the rear. The front sport bucket seats provided plenty of bolstering but lacked headrest adjustment, making long trips somewhat uncomfortable. The CLA offered 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with the backseat folding down for larger items.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 had seating for four, but the back seats were cramped and difficult to access. The front seats offered 8-way power adjustment for the driver and 6-way power adjustment for the front passenger. The Camaro's interior had a retro theme with simple controls and unique climate controls integrated into the air vents. Practical storage was limited, and the trunk measured 9.1 cubic feet for the coupe, with a high liftover height and small opening.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen and trackpad controller. The steering-wheel-mounted controls included two small pads for operating the digital screens. MBUX also provided an advanced voice-control system, and the CLA had five USB-C ports.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 came with the standard Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 package, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar connected services, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. Optional features included a larger 8-inch display, additional stereo speakers, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered more advanced technology, such as a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and Performance Data Recorder.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA came with a full host of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. However, the lane-departure warning system was abrupt and unsettling. The CLA also had a reversing camera, traction control, and an available surround-view camera.

The 2020 Chevrolet Camaro LT1 lacked many modern advanced driving-assistance systems. It came with standard stability control, a reversing camera, and available OnStar connected services. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as a rear camera mirror and forward-collision warning. The Camaro coupe received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks in frontal- and side-impact testing from the IIHS.