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2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Strong and efficient engine lineup
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Quick steering reflexes

Cons

  • Ride is on the firm side among small luxury sedans
  • AMG models are expensive
  • Headroom is scarce in the second row

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

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The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a stylish exterior and classy cabin

Fresh from a redesign, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is wider and longer than it was previously. The sleek roofline is slightly lower, too. The front features a reshaped grille and slimmer headlights, and the taillights and rear bumper are similarly reshaped. It’s not a dramatic change, though the update gives the CLA a more upscale appearance.

Inside, the latest MBUX infotainment system replaces the dated COMAND® interface used in the outgoing model. This features a seven-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchpad controller on the center console. This also makes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard for the first time in the CLA.

With its choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive, the CLA has the power and refinement to take on rivals like the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series. What the CLA doesn’t have, however, is lots of headroom in the second row.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

What is new for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

  • CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Panoramic Sunroof, Smart Key, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Heated Steering Wheel, A/C Seat(s), Automated Parking, Head Up Display, and Burmester Audio features are now available as options on select trims.

2020 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

Distinctive design: Styling is subjective, but the CLA's reboot brings the design of this small sedan more in line with the rest of the Mercedes lineup. The slightly larger proportions, sleek headlights, and taillights provide a sportier, more upscale appearance.

Updated tech: Finally the CLA gets Mercedes’ latest infotainment system, replacing the outdated COMAND controls. Simply having Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard features could nudge the CLA onto a few luxury sedan shopping lists. Smartphone connectivity was offered before, but only as an option.

Powertrain choices: The base CLA 250 is fitted with a 221-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and can be had in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Performance is brisk and fuel economy is impressive. The two AMG models each have more than 300 hp and come standard with all-wheel drive.

What Needs Improvement

Second-row passenger space: There is only so much room for Mercedes to carve out of the CLA’s petite dimensions and sloping roofline. A major trade-off is rear headroom; it’s snug in the back for taller adults. Short crosstown jaunts should be fine, though long road trips could be a literal pain in the neck for passengers.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

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

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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