Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs Subaru WRX STI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Subaru WRX STI
Overview
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | CLA 250 | STI |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,750 | $37,245 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 310 hp (best) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 11.6 cu ft | 12 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,530 lbs | 3,450 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 4.9 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 in (best) | 104.3 in |
| Length | 184.6 in (best) | 180.9 in |
| Width | 72 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 58.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA250CLA 250 | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| 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 STI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CLA 250 $42,750 MSRP(Currently comparing) | STI $37,245 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | CLA 250 4MATIC $44,750 MSRP | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
| 3 | — | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs Subaru WRX STI FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI 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 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI starts lower at $37,245.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (37,245).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on horsepower in this comparison (310).