- Newest year: 2021
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2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG & Fuel Cost
8 model years · 23–30 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 7 of 10 small car configurations, MY2021. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at a glance
The 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class covers 8 model years in the EPA database (31 configurations in all), rated 23–30 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2021, costs about $2,770 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD (29 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021; 2019 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 30 MPG, was reached in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Gas | 23–29 MPG | $2,770–$3,520 | Ratings changed |
| 2020 | Gas | 23–28 MPG | $2,820–$3,450 | Ratings changed |
| 2019 | Gas | 26–29 MPG | $2,800–$3,130 | Same EPA ratings as 2018 |
| 2018 | Gas | 26–29 MPG | $2,800–$3,130 | Ratings changed |
| 2017 | Gas | 26–29 MPG | $2,810–$3,130 | Ratings changed |
| 2016 | Gas | 26–30 MPG | $2,690–$3,130 | Ratings changed |
| 2015 | Gas | 26–30 MPG | $2,690–$3,130 | Ratings changed |
| 2014 | Gas | 26–30 MPG | $2,690–$3,130 | First year |
What the 2021 CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs to drive
Per month
$231
$2,770 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.62
Per 100 miles
$18.47
Five years
$13,850
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$440less a year
Class median $3,210 a year, MY2021
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
Versus 2020: The most efficient configuration moves from 28 to 29 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,820 to $2,770, $50 less.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,770 |
| CLA250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,930 |
| AMG CLA35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 22 | 29 | 25 | $3,260 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,520 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
23–28 MPG · $2,820–$3,450/yr
Versus 2019: The most efficient configuration moves from 29 to 28 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,800 to $2,820, $20 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 25 | 35 | 28 | $2,820 |
| CLA250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,990 |
| AMG CLA35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 29 | 25 | $3,200 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2018
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class as for the 2018 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2018 section above.See 2018
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
26–29 MPG · $2,800–$3,130/yr
Versus 2017: The most efficient configuration stays at 29 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $2,810 to $2,800, $10 less.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 24 | 37 | 29 | $2,800 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,980 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,980 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,130 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
26–29 MPG · $2,810–$3,130/yr
Versus 2016: The most efficient configuration moves from 30 to 29 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,690 to $2,810, $120 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 24 | 36 | 29 | $2,810 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 32 | 27 | $3,030 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 32 | 27 | $3,030 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,130 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
26–30 MPG · $2,690–$3,130/yr
Versus 2015: The most efficient configuration stays at 30 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,690.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,690 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,960 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,960 |
| AMG CLA45 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,130 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
26–30 MPG · $2,690–$3,130/yr
Versus 2014: The most efficient configuration stays at 30 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,690.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,690 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,960 |
| CLA250 4matic 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (AM7) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,960 |
| CLA45 AMG 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,130 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Flex-fuel (E85) configurations are costed on gasoline, not E85.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class MPG
26–30 MPG · $2,690–$3,130/yr
Gas configurations (3)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA250 (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | FWD | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,690 |
| CLA250 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 24 | 31 | 27 | $3,020 |
| CLA45 AMG 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23 | 30 | 26 | $3,130 |
3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD: $3,300 in California and $2,400 in Texas, a $900 difference.
- California $3,300
- Washington $3,110
- New York $2,740
- Florida $2,530
- Texas $2,400
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2021 small car models.
Generations
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class get?
EPA rates the 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 23–30 MPG combined across 31 configurations and 8 model years. The most efficient version, the 2016 CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD, is rated 30 MPG (26 city, 37 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 30 MPG, in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The lowest top rating, 28 MPG, was in 2020.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2014-2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021. In 2019 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $2,770 a year. Across all 4 configurations the cost runs $2,770–$3,520 a year. That is a $750 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 100 miles?
About $18.47 per 100 miles for the CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $18.47 and $23.47 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD is rated 25 city and 35 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 10 MPG.
How does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class compare with other small car configurations?
The CLA250 2.0L 4-cyl turbo FWD costs about $2,770 a year to fuel, $440 less than the class median of $3,210, and less than 7 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 298 rated small car configurations for MY2021, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class different from the 2020 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 28 to 29 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,820 to $2,770, $50 less. EPA lists 4 configurations for 2021 against 4 configurations for 2020. See the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class for that year.