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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $32,034–$38,549 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.0/10, while Reliability at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.2/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $32,034–$38,549, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz CLA sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $32,034 starting price is about 16% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Across the CLA model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $41,766 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $41,766 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $40,550 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $39,333 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $38,117 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $36,900 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $35,684 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $34,467 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $33,251 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $32,034 | |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $30,818 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $29,601 | Read review → |
We rate the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA's reliability 6.2/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #982 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA starts at $32,034 and ranges up to $38,549 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.