2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 vs. 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review

Picture of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

2024 Mercedes-Benz
CLA 250

MSRP*: $43,200 to $45,200
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Picture of the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2024 Volkswagen
Golf GTI

MSRP*: $31,965 to $40,825
See details & photos

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MPG - City 25 - 26 MPG 23 - 24 MPG
MPG - Hwy 35 - 36 MPG 33 - 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space Info not available Info not available
Engine
  • 221-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline/Mild Electric Hybrid)
  • 241-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Horsepower 221 hp 241 hp
Exterior Length 184.6 in 168.8 in
Exterior Width 72.0 in 70.4 in
Leg Room Front 41.8 in
Rear 33.9 in
Front 41.2 in
Rear 35.0 in
Head Room Front 38.5 in
Rear 35.7 in
Front 38.5 in
Rear 38.1 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Passengers in the back seat will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Volkswagen Golf GTI than the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, due to its greater head- and legroom. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the front seats.

Convenience
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 will require fewer stops at the gas station than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is somewhat more expensive than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Dimensions
Since the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is much wider than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, finding a wide enough spot in a parking lot may be a bit more challenging. If you go with the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, you may be circling the block looking for a space large enough to park more often than with the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Handling
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has about the same turning radius as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, allowing equal maneuverability in and out of tight spots.

Performance
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has less horsepower than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so it will probably be somewhat slower.

Powertrain
With its lower torque, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Utility
In terms of seating you'll be able to fit the same number of people in both the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.