2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Interior quality
- Fuel economy with base turbo four-cylinder
- Many standard features
Cons
- Snug rear seat
- Limited cargo space
- AMG models can be budget busters
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA looks and feels worthy of its luxury badge
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is the least expensive way to put a Mercedes in your garage or driveway. A relatively affordable price and refined driving manners make the CLA a practical pick, if you go easy on the options. For the 2023 model year, the CLA receives no substantial updates.
The cabin is appointed with quality trim pieces and standard touches like a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and synthetic leather upholstery. Direct rivals include the Acura Integra, Audi A3, and Lexus IS.
Several powertrains are offered—including two sporty AMG variants—though the CLA works best with a "less is more" approach. The CLA 250 comes with a frugal and reasonably peppy turbocharged four-cylinder coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. While the AMG 35 and AMG 45 versions are faster and more powerful, they cost many thousands of dollars more than the entry-level CLA.
All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years
What is new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Power Seat(s) and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment this year.
- Leather & Suede Seats features are now available as options on select trims.
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims
Curious how Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 221-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear View Camera
- View our Mercedes-Benz CLA250 inventory
What We Like
Turbo four-cylinder engines: The entry-level 221-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can more than scoot the CLA down the road. Forgetting budget concerns for a moment, the punchy 302- and 382-hp turbo four-cylinders in the AMG 35 and AMG 45 are a riot when you hit the gas pedal.
Refined cabin design: The CLA cabin looks and feels like a proper Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicle. The materials are of high quality, the dashboard layout is modern, and all of the controls are logically placed.
Stylish exterior: The CLA possesses head-turning appeal for luxury car shoppers. This small sedan has a big personality in terms of its sleek exterior design.
What Needs Improvement
Rear headroom: There is a price to be paid for the CLA’s debonair design, and the biggest debit comes in the form of rear headroom. Tall adults seated in the back might find their heads brushing the roof. Legroom isn’t exactly abundant either.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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 CLA250Mercedes-Benz CLA250 features and specs
Curious how Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
4D Sedan 2WD
Standard Features
- Power Locks
- Power Windows
- Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- ABS Brakes
- Power Seat(s)
- Memory Seat(s)
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Smart Key
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Heated Mirrors
- Run Flat Tires
- Alloy Wheels
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth Technology
- Leather Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automated Parking
- Automated Cruise Control
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear Spoiler
- Full Roof Rack
- Burmester Audio
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Navigation System
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
221
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.5
Wheelbase
107.4"
Overall length
184.6"
Width
72"
Height
56.7"
Leg room
F 41.8"/R 33.9"
Head room
F 38.5"/R 35.7"
Front tires
P225/45HR18
Rear tires
P225/45HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ
The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as 6 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
Here is what's new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250:
- Power Seat(s)
- Memory Seat(s)
- Leather & Suede Seats
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 25 city / 35 highway MPG Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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