2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2021 Ford Mustang

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA presented a refined evolution from its predecessor, with its new wedge-like headlights that aligned it more closely with the larger CLS model. The car's design was further enhanced by its elegantly finished roof and trunk, reminiscent of the S-Class Coupe, giving it a dramatic, luxury appearance. Inside, the CLA offered a modern and upscale cabin, featuring a multi-tier dash and vintage-style climate vents, which were accentuated by ambient lighting. The seamless integration of the instrument and infotainment screens into a single panel was a testament to Mercedes' design philosophy, creating a timeless interior that stood out in the small-car segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Mustang maintained its iconic curb appeal with a blend of retro and modern styling. The cabin combined classic switches with digital screens, offering a noticeable improvement in quality over its competitors. The Mustang's trims ranged from the EcoBoost to the high-performance Mach 1, each offering a unique set of features. The Mach 1, in particular, stood out with its performance enhancements and distinctive visual cues. The interior provided a mix of soft-touch surfaces and brightwork, with options for power-adjustable seats that, despite some quirks, offered solid support for both long drives and spirited cornering.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered four powertrain configurations, with the CLA 250 models featuring a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided impressive power for a car of its size. The CLA 250 4Matic, with its all-wheel drive, delivered a balanced driving experience, combining athleticism with ride comfort. The steering was light yet precise, and the car's cornering capabilities were commendable. Fuel economy for the CLA 250 4Matic was rated at 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, with observed figures slightly lower during testing.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered a range of engines, starting with the EcoBoost's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The GT trim featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 460 horsepower, while the Mach 1 increased this to 480 horsepower. The Mustang's performance was characterized by its powerful acceleration and engaging driving dynamics, with options for a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mach 1's drive-mode selector and Brembo brakes enhanced its performance capabilities, making it a thrilling choice for enthusiasts. Despite its power, the Mustang required careful handling, especially in wet conditions, highlighting the importance of responsible driving.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, despite being labeled a "coupe," was essentially a sedan with limited rear-seat functionality. The rear seats were cramped, with low headroom making them unsuitable for adults on long journeys. However, the front seats provided ample support with sport bucket design, though they lacked headrest adjustment. The CLA offered 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with foldable rear seats for additional cargo capacity, albeit with a warning system that could be intrusive.

The 2021 Ford Mustang offered decent cargo space, with the fastback coupe providing 13.5 cubic feet and the convertible 11.4 cubic feet. While not as spacious as some competitors, it surpassed others like the Camaro. The rear seats were best suited for small children or extra cargo, as legroom was limited when the front seats were adjusted for adults. The power-adjustable front seats, though quirky in their adjustment mechanisms, provided good support for various driving conditions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured the MBUX infotainment system, a significant upgrade with a touchscreen and trackpad controller. The system included advanced voice control and steering-wheel-mounted controls for easy navigation. However, the exclusive use of USB-C ports was a forward-thinking move that might have been premature for some users.

The 2021 Ford Mustang's base model came with a 4.2-inch display, but the Premium trim offered the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the system was intuitive, the lack of a physical home button was a notable omission. The Sync 3's layout and graphics were user-friendly, but the integration of CarPlay and Android Auto could have been more seamless.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, though the lane-keeping assist was notably abrupt. The system's tendency to stab the brakes and jerk the wheel was unsettling. Standard safety features included airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control, with an available surround-view camera for enhanced parking precision.

The 2021 Ford Mustang included the CoPilot360 suite as standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. While adaptive cruise control and parking sensors were optional, the Mustang's visibility was commendable compared to its peers, providing solid sight lines for safer driving.