The CLA doesn't have many direct competitors, but one of its closest competitors would have to be the Buick Verano Turbo. While the CLA comes out on top after a comparison, it doesn't run away with the whole thing.
Styling
The CLA beats out the Verano as far as styling IMO. The Verano doesn't look bad, it just is boring when put beside the CLA. I will say that the Verano comes standard with leather seats while that is an option on the CLA.
Driving
The guy's at the Car Connection describe the CLA as having more sporty handling, while the Verano has a more passive feel that "takes the brunt of the road for you." Depends what you are looking for, but any true driver would go with the CLA. It should be noted that the CLA doesn't have a manual option though, and the Verano does.
The Verano Turbo runs a 2 liter inline 4 that produces 250 HP. The base CLA runs a 2 liter turbo four with 208 HP.
Safety & Comfort
Here the Verano wins. It has aced safety tests, while the CLA has not even completed them yet so the jury is out. On comfort, the Verano doesn't squish your back passengers heads with a low roof like the CLA does.
Efficiency
CLA blows the Verano out of the water here. The CLA can get 30 mpg combined. The Verano only gets 21 mpg combined.
Styling



The CLA beats out the Verano as far as styling IMO. The Verano doesn't look bad, it just is boring when put beside the CLA. I will say that the Verano comes standard with leather seats while that is an option on the CLA.
Driving
The guy's at the Car Connection describe the CLA as having more sporty handling, while the Verano has a more passive feel that "takes the brunt of the road for you." Depends what you are looking for, but any true driver would go with the CLA. It should be noted that the CLA doesn't have a manual option though, and the Verano does.
The Verano Turbo runs a 2 liter inline 4 that produces 250 HP. The base CLA runs a 2 liter turbo four with 208 HP.
Safety & Comfort
Here the Verano wins. It has aced safety tests, while the CLA has not even completed them yet so the jury is out. On comfort, the Verano doesn't squish your back passengers heads with a low roof like the CLA does.
Efficiency
CLA blows the Verano out of the water here. The CLA can get 30 mpg combined. The Verano only gets 21 mpg combined.