Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
$36,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
$36,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2014-Present

Years produced

2015-Present

MSRP

$42,750

MSRP

$36,230

Listings

4559

Listings

6618

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Powerful engine

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Poor handling

  • Not much cargo space

Reviews Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

Reviews Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers on all thing things a subcompact SUV is supposed to do. It’s cute, compact (but not cramped), and easily maneuverable. The new, eighth-generation GLA gives customers a lot of what they expect but also lacks the refinement of other Mercedes models.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 221 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 221 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

34
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
$36,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
$36,230MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2014-Present
2015-Present
MSRP
$42,750
$36,230
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.7

4.5

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Powerful engine

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Poor ride quality

  • Poor handling

  • Not much cargo space

Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers on all thing things a subcompact SUV is supposed to do. It’s cute, compact (but not cramped), and easily maneuverable. The new, eighth-generation GLA gives customers a lot of what they expect but also lacks the refinement of other Mercedes models.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 221 hp I4
2.0L 221 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
26
25
MPG Highway
36
34
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