Volkswagen Golf/GTI vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 119 mpg for the Volkswagen Golf/GTI, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $50 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Compact Cars · 84 configurations
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Compact Cars · 55 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Golf/GTI | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 119 mpg | 126 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 126 mpg | 127 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 111 mpg | 124 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $650 | $600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 267 g/mi ✓ | 273 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM7) | Automatic (A2), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Electricity | Electricity, Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 84 | 55 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Golf/GTI vs CLA-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Golf/GTI or the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 119 mpg for the Volkswagen Golf/GTI, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $50 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $650 for the Volkswagen Golf/GTI — a difference of roughly $50 per year.
What engines do the Golf/GTI and CLA-Class offer?
Volkswagen Golf/GTI: SIDI, 2.0. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Golf/GTI and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
More Golf/GTI comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-golfgti-vs-mercedes-benz-cla-class