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2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA

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$39,250

Starting MSRP

Owner Rating

(26)

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Specifications

Engine

Gas

Horsepower

221 - 382 hp

MPG

23 - 29 combined

Seating

Cargo Capacity

11.6 ft³

Basic Warranty

4 years / 50k miles

Recommended For You

Trims

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison

Starting MSRP

$39,250*

$48,950

$56,950

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

Multi-Zone Climate Control

Premium Audio

25 city/36 hwy*

21 city/29 hwy

20 city/28 hwy

2.0L I4 Turbo

FWD*

AWD

4 yr / 50k mi

221 hp

302 hp

382 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

Eco Mode

Sport Mode

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Start/Stop System

Gas

Premium Unleaded

221 hp

302 hp

382 hp

5800 rpm

6500 rpm

258 lb-ft

295 lb-ft

354 lb-ft

1800 rpm

3000 rpm

4750 rpm

2.0 L

Inline

4 cylinder

Turbocharged

Double Overhead

16 valve

25 MPG*

21 MPG

20 MPG

36 MPG*

29 MPG

28 MPG

29 MPG*

24 MPG

23 MPG

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

Reviewed by Jack R. Nerad

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz CLA may be one of the luxury brand's smallest and most affordable sedans, but it is every inch a Mercedes, with distinctive design, an impeccable interior, robust build quality, and world-class engineering. This is one of the best-looking small sedans on the planet, with a cool coupe-like silhouette and a sporty low and wide stance. Mercedes even calls the CLA a coupe, so don't confuse it with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan, which is smaller, less powerful, and costs about $4,000 less. With a strong 221-horsepower turbocharged engine and well-tuned suspension, the CLA 250 delivers abundant driving pleasure, and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG variants, the CLA 35 and CLA 45, take a decidedly sporting turn. Some may find the CLA's infotainment system to be unnecessarily complex and its rear seat too snug, but overall, it competes very favorably with the two available variants of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe as well as the Audi A3, Audi S3, and Audi RS 3.

Positives

Cool coupe-like exterior. Four-door practicality. Two available high-performance AMG versions.

Considerations

Complicated infotainment system. Tight rear seat. Not as fuel-efficient as some rivals.

Verdict

The Mercedes CLA measures up to the luxury brand's reputation with sharp design, strong performance, and a comfortable, upscale interior that's packed with tech features.

What's New for 2022

The Mercedes-Benz CLA hasn't changed much for 2022. The available Premium package now includes SiriusXM. A USB-C cable is standard on the high-performance AMG models. New options for the AMG buyers include Rose Gold paint and the Night Package Plus, which includes black louvers on the grille and black exterior badging.

Trims and Pricing

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive CLA 250 and the all-wheel-drive CLA 250 4Matic. There are also two specialty performance CLA versions, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. The CLA 250 is the most popular trim level, and it is our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.

CLA 250

Starting at $39,250 (including a $1,050 destination fee), the CLA 250 is the least expensive of the CLAs and it provides the most value for most buyers. Upscale features include a 221-horsepower turbocharged engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital cockpit with the MBUX voice assistant, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, remote start, and heated exterior mirrors. A wide variety of stand-alone options include a panoramic roof. Mercedes also offers several inclusive packages, such as the AMG Line packages meant to give the CLA 250 AMG-style looks.

CLA 250 4Matic

The CLA 250 4Matic ($41,250) adds all-wheel drive for just $2,000 more. It's worth it if you live in a snowy climate. All other equipment is virtually the same as on the CLA 250.

CLA 35

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 ($48,950) is the lesser of the two specialty performance versions of the CLA. It features a 302-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 4Matic all-wheel drive, and an enthusiast-tuned suspension for additional road holding.

CLA 45

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 ($56,950) takes the sedan's performance even further. It, too, has 4Matic all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension, but its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is "hand built" to produce a whopping 382 hp.

Engine and Performance

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is powered by a smooth and responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 221 hp. That's plenty for most buyers. The engine is teamed with an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz says the front-wheel-drive CLA 250 will go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, the same as for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive version. With 201 hp, the Audi A3 isn't as quick as the CLA, while the 228 hp BMW 228i Gran Coupe matches its acceleration. Mercedes says the AMG CLA 35 zooms from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, which is a blink quicker than the BMW M235i xDrive, however the 306-hp Audi S3 blows their doors off. The AMG CLA 45 hits 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. That's seriously quick, but the new 401-hp Audi RS 3 is expected to beat that time.

Fuel Economy

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250's fuel economy is at the top of its competitive set. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a front-wheel-drive CLA 250 with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 25 mpg during city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive drops fuel economy by 1 mpg. The high-performance AMG CLA 35 is estimated to achieve 22/29 mpg city/highway. The AMG CLA 45 gets 20/29 mpg city/highway. The less powerful Audi A3 offers 29/38 mpg city/highway, while the BMW 228i Gran Coupe is rated 23/33 mpg city/highway.

Interior

The cabin of the Mercedes CLA looks, feels, and functions like the interior of a Mercedes-Benz should. It offers an excellent driver position, supportive seats for long-distance comfort, an impressive array of high-tech gadgetry, and it looks pretty cool with Mercedes-Benz's signature "turbine" air vents. The front seats are well-padded and power-adjustable, and the CLA's synthetic leather is easily mistaken for the real thing. Heated and ventilated seats are optional. The AMG trims feature sport seats, which are bolstered for better support during hard cornering. You might expect the CLA's swoopy, coupe-like roofline to compromise rear-seat headroom, but that's not really the case. Legroom is a bit tight, however, for adults. The three-passenger fold-down rear bench seat is split 40/20/40, and the pass-throughs to the trunk add significant versatility. The CLA has 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is significantly smaller than the trunk of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. The Audi A3 offers 10 cubic feet of cargo space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mercedes-Benz CLA's infotainment system isn't the industry's most intuitive, but it is easy to learn and packed with features. The CLA's horizontally mounted 7-inch screen seems a bit small, however, you can control the system with a console-mounted touchpad, voice commands, steering wheel controls, or by touching the screen itself. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported. Augmented reality navigation that identifies nearby buildings and spells out directions on live video is available. A larger 10.25-inch screen is a $1,200 option. It's worth it. The premium Burmeister audio system sounds great and is another good value for $850.

Safety

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA has not been crash tested or safety rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CLA does offer a very comprehensive list of the latest driver-assistance systems. Standard safety technologies include automated emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and crosswind assist. Optional safety and driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active braking assist with cross-traffic functionality, and active lane-keeping assist.

Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. the Competition

Overall, the Mercedes CLA impresses. With a starting price below $40,000, it still delivers the impeccable design, engineering, and craftsmanship we expect from the brand. It's a true Mercedes-Benz with a glamorous four-door coupe shape, an elegant cabin with high-end amenities, and three powerful engine options. It isn't the best performing Mercedes sedan out there, but it's quick, engaging to drive, and offers big smiles per miles. Top rivals include the BMW 228i Gran Coupe, which is a bit more fun to drive than the CLA, and the all-new Audi A3, which has a significantly lower base price than either the Benz or the Bimmer.

Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Audi A3

Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. BMW 2 Series

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.

Owner Reviews

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Owner Ratings & Reviews

2nd Generation Mercedes-Benz CLA

2020 - Present

Overall Rating

5.0

Based on

Performance

4.9

Comfort

4.9

Fuel Efficiency

4.6

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

4.8

96%

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

All reviews

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Efficiency

4.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Efficiency

4.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Excellent vehicle dynamics combined with many luxury features and state-of-art safety and driver assistance features. The MB Navigation system is superb and totally integrates trip planning and guidance, weather, traffic updates and alerts. Automatically searches for parking spaces on the street and in parking structures. Automates parking payment also.

cons

Some optional equipment was not deliverable due to the ongoing semiconductor parts shortages. Some delays in production and shipping from Europe due to pandemic impacts.

Submitted by Todd R on --- --- ----|2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG CLA 35 4MATIC|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Smooth ride.

cons

No heated seats.

Submitted by Adam H on --- --- ----|2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250 4MATIC|Purchased on --- --- ----

5.0

Performance

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Fuel Efficiency

5.0

Safety Technology

5.0

Features

5.0

pros

Styling and performance

cons

Nothing really

Submitted by Ling T on --- --- ----|2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG CLA 45 4MATIC|Purchased on --- --- ----

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA FAQs

The 2022 Mercedes Benz CLA comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine creating 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a seven-gear dual-clutch transmission and paddle shifters. The CLA AMG 35 and 45 have the same engine but are tuned to make 302 and 382 horsepower, respectively.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 FWD starts at $38,200 and moves to $40,200 for the 4Matic version. The CLA AMG 35 4Matic starts at $47,900, and the CLA AMG 45 begins at $55,900. The CLA comes standard with power front seats, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, passive entry, a suite of driver safety features, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA comes standard with dual-stage front airbags, 1st- and 2nd-row curtain airbags, and an airbag occupancy sensor. On the driver technology side, the CLA has blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and driver attention assist.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, remote engine start, and a rearview camera. The standard infotainment system is a 7.0-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto adaptability. A larger 10.25-inch display is also available. The MBUX infotainment system is optional and allows the driver to control many functions by saying, "Hey Mercedes."

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Specifications

Engine

Horsepower

MPG

Seating

Cargo Capacity

Basic Warranty

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Specs & Features

Trims

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison

CLA 250

AMG CLA 35

AMG CLA 45

Popular Features

Engine Details

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

Overview

What's New for 2022

Trims and Pricing

CLA 250

CLA 250 4Matic

CLA 35

CLA 45

Engine and Performance

Fuel Economy

Interior

Infotainment and Connectivity

Safety

Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. the Competition

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

Owner Reviews

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Owner Ratings & Reviews

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Photos

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Exterior Photos

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA Interior Photos

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA FAQs

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