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2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Performance with AMG models
  • Sharp handling
  • Many standard features

Cons

  • AMG trims are pricey
  • Limited rear headroom
  • Modest trunk volume

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

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The 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small sedan with a bold coupe-like shape

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury sedan that competes with rivals like the Acura Integra, Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Audi A3, and Genesis G70. Standing out among these strong competitors isn’t easy, but the CLA is notable for its extroverted design and a long lineup of standard comfort features and driver aids. These include a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a touchpad controller, panoramic roof, Crosswind Assist, and blind-spot warning.

Mercedes equips the base CLA 250 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is optional. Higher up the CLA food chain are two AMG-tuned performance variants, the AMG 35 and AMG 45. These transform the already lithe and playful CLA into a speedy sports sedan. They’re highly entertaining, though they command a hefty premium over the CLA 250. The CLA lineup enters the 2022 model year with no significant updates or changes.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims

Curious how Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

5 reasons to buy the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

What We Like

Quick reflexes: Thanks to its quick steering, the CLA is a delight to drive on twisty roads. Its suspension is on the firm side, though it absorbs most road imperfections and complements this small luxury sedan’s light and agile handling.

Classy interior: Though the CLA is one of Mercedes’ least expensive offerings, the cabin is nicely thought out and filled with quality trim pieces. The infotainment system is within easy reach and can be controlled via a touchpad controller on the center console.

Speedy AMG trims: They’re not cheap, but the CLA AMG models are lots of fun when you’re behind the wheel. Acceleration is strong in the 302-hp AMG 35, and downright sports-car-like in the 382-hp AMG 45. Each comes with all-wheel drive to get this power to the pavement.

What Needs Improvement

Space in the second row: Due to its tapering roofline, there is limited headroom in the second row. Squeezing taller adults back there for any length of time could put friendships at risk.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mercedes-Benz CLA250 6th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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