2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2021 Chevrolet Camaro

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured a significant design overhaul compared to its predecessor, with the most noticeable change being the headlights. The previous eagle-eye clusters were replaced with more elegant, wedge-like units, aligning the CLA more closely with the larger CLS model. The roof and trunk design gave the CLA a dramatic, almost boat-like appearance, reminiscent of the S-Class Coupe. Inside, the CLA boasted a modern, upscale cabin with a multi-tier dash, vintage-looking climate vents, and ambient lighting that illuminated various tiers and vents. The instrument screen and infotainment screen formed a single sweeping panel, enhancing the car's luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro offered buyers the choice between a coupe and a convertible, both maintaining a fierce and sporty look. The Camaro came in eight trim levels, with the ZL1 being the most performance-focused. The 2SS Coupe, tested for this review, featured standard 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, a limited-slip differential, and dual-outlet stainless steel exhaust. The interior, however, was less appealing, with parts-bin specials and a design that raised functionality questions. The Camaro's cabin, refreshed in 2019, included elements from the Chevy Blazer but lacked the refinement seen in the CLA.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered four powertrain configurations across its variants. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA 250 4Matic added all-wheel drive for better all-weather performance. The CLA's steering was light yet refined, and its cornering was precise without compromising ride quality. The EPA estimated the CLA 250 4Matic's fuel economy at 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, with real-world driving yielding just over 25 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers could upgrade to a 3.6-liter V6 with 335 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, or choose from two V8 engines: a 6.2-liter V8 with 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged version delivering 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The Camaro's manual transmission was less fuel-efficient than its automatic options, with the turbo-four manual achieving 19 mpg city, 29 highway, and 22 combined. The V8 engines offered similar fuel efficiency regardless of transmission. The Camaro 2SS, tested with a non-supercharged V8, provided ample power but had a cumbersome manual transmission that detracted from the driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, despite being labeled a "coupe," was a sedan with a raked rear window and tight back seats. The rear seats were nearly unusable for adults due to limited headroom, though the front sport bucket seats offered good bolstering. The CLA had 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with the backseat folding down for larger items. However, the car's warning system for folded seats was a minor annoyance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro featured standard cloth upholstery and front bucket seats, with options for Recaro sport seats and leather upholstery. The front seats were comfortable but not particularly sporty, and the rear seats were unsuitable for adults. The Camaro's narrow windscreen and oversized instrument cluster hood limited visibility. The car's trunk space was decent for a muscle car, but the high load height and narrow opening reduced usability. The convertible model offered about 20% less cargo space than the coupe.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen and trackpad controller. The system included advanced voice control, allowing users to give complex commands by saying, "Hey, Mercedes." The CLA also had steering-wheel-mounted controls with small pads for operating the digital screens. However, all five USB ports were USB-C, which could be inconvenient for users with traditional USB cables.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot as standard. Optional features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bose premium audio, navigation, and a rear-camera mirror. The Camaro's driver-information center and infotainment touchscreen were functional but suffered from a forward lean that caused glare. The USB ports were hidden in the center console, and the wireless charging pad was awkwardly positioned.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA came with a full suite of driver-assistance features, including a lane-departure warning system that vibrated the steering wheel and provided abrupt lane-keeping assistance. The CLA also had forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. Standard safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The available surround-view camera was a useful addition for precise parking.

The 2021 Chevrolet Camaro received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with scores ranging from "Good" to "Basic." Available safety features included rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and rear parking sensors. However, some safety technology was not available on convertible models.