Volkswagen Jetta vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 44 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta, a 82 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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.
2015–2027
Volkswagen Jetta
Compact Cars · 51 configurations
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Compact Cars · 55 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Jetta | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 44 mpg | 126 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg | 127 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 48 mpg | 124 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 | $600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 200 g/mi ✓ | 273 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic (A2), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AM8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Diesel | Electricity, Premium, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 51 | 55 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Jetta vs CLA-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Jetta or the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 126 mpg combined versus 44 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta, a 82 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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 $1,750 for the Volkswagen Jetta — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the Jetta and CLA-Class offer?
Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, 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 Jetta and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: volkswagen-jetta-vs-mercedes-benz-cla-class