Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Our scoring places the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.6/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $40,550–$52,811, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz CLA sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $40,550 starting price is about 47% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which CLA Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
Common Questions — 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?
We rate the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA cost?
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA starts at $40,550 and ranges up to $52,811 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which CLA years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest CLA years we've rated are 2017 (7.1/10), 2015 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Mercedes-Benz CLA
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year
