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2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Impressive fuel economy
  • Quick steering responses
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Cozy second row
  • Modest trunk size
  • Smartphone connectivity isn’t standard

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 32 highway, 29 combined

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The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the German automaker’s smallest sedan

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a subcompact luxury sedan with a coupe-like shape and a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Direct competitors include the BMW 2 Series, Infiniti Q50, Jaguar XE, and Lexus IS. Visually the CLA makes a statement with its sloping roofline and low stance. This is great if you’re looking for something stylish, but less rosy if second-row headroom is a top priority.

There are no major changes to the CLA for the 2019 model year. Standard features continue to consist of an eight-inch infotainment display, synthetic leather seating surfaces, dual-zone climate control, a driver attention monitor, and two USB ports. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are optional, as are satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Athletic handling and a firm but compliant ride make the CLA adept at zipping around corners. It also posts solid fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

What is new for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

  • CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Run Flat Tires as standard equipment this year.
  • Sunroof(s) features are now available as options on select trims.

2019 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:

What We Like

Coupe-like shape: Among small luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has one of the more head-turning designs. This gives it a planted stance and makes it look speedy, even in standard CLA 250 format.

Performance: The base 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder performs admirably and delivers peppy acceleration. It’s paired with a seven-speed automatic and offered in front- or all-wheel-drive format. Added punch is provided by the 375-hp turbo-four nestled under the hood of the speedy AMG 45. All-wheel drive is standard in this model.

Fuel economy: For maximum mpg in your Mercedes luxury sedan, the front-wheel drive CLA 250 is the winner. During highway driving it posts an EPA-estimated 37 mpg average

. That’s on par with many fuel-sipping economy cars.

What Needs Improvement

Design limits practicality: Because of its low roofline and sleek profile, the CLA sacrifices headroom in the second row. Adults should be OK back there if the drive is short (and if they are too).

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.2 out of 5

5 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

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

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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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