Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the CLA-Class sits right on their 26.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2014, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2024–2026), does 30 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (2014–2026), 27.8: $101 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 26 / 36 | 2024–2026 | $1,280 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 23.8 / 34.4 | 2014–2026 | $1,381 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.121 |
| Fuel per year | $1,449 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,245 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$11 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,750 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gives up 9 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 23 in the city, $470 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the CLA-Class changed over the years
The CLA-Class peaked in 2016 at 30 mpg (26 city, 37 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 26.5 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $169 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 26.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 / 32 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2025 | 23 / 32 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2024 | 23 / 32 | 2 | $1,449 | |
| 2023 | 25 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2022 | 25 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2020 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2019 | 24 / 37 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2018 | 24 / 37 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 24 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 26 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2015 | 26 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2014 | 26 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class — 2 engines across 2014–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,750. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class get?
26.5 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 23 to 30. Across every year since 2014 the CLA-Class has averaged 28.2 mpg.
Is the 2026 CLA-Class more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 26.5 against 26.5 mpg combined.
Which CLA-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 30 mpg combined (26 city, 37 highway).
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