Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | CLA 250 | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,750 | $32,495 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $13,897 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $27,403 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $40,979 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 28 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 11.6 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,530 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 184.6 in (best) | 183.8 in |
| Width | 72 in (best) | 71.9 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mercedes-Benz CLA250 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CLA 250 $42,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | CLA 250 4MATIC $44,750 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | — | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | — | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Subaru WRX28 for sale
See all
Used2019 Subaru WRX
Limited
Crystal Black Silica•Black/Carbon Black46,313 mi$24,985Seelye Select on 9th
Kalamazoo, MI
Used2018 Subaru WRX
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Lapis Blue Pearl•Black60,052 mi$25,995Carizona
Mesa, AZ
Used2015 Subaru WRX
WRX
Ice Silver Metallic•black117,814 mi$13,897Carizona
Mesa, AZ
Used2021 Subaru WRX
STi
Magnetite Gray Metallic•black49,608 mi$31,440Findlay Volvo Cars Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Used2021 Subaru WRX
STI Limited Sedan 4D
gray•black45,627 mi$39,497Daly City Mitsubishi
Daly City, CA
Used2023 Subaru WRX
BASE
Magnetite Gray Metallic•Carbon Black32,416 mi$25,922Classic Nissan Newport News
Newport News, VA
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Subaru WRX starts lower at $32,495. Live Subaru WRX listings start at $13,897.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,495).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).