Archived model-year dossier
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA sees only minor changes a year after its full redesign, adding standard blind spot monitoring and ambient interior lighting, plus an Interior Assistant gesture feature in its MBUX system. NHTSA lists 6 recalls and 9 complaints. EPA rates the CLA 23 to 29 mpg combined.
Configurations4
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency23–29 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers4
What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the CLA received a full redesign last year, so 2021 models see only minor changes. Mercedes added blind spot monitoring and ambient interior lighting to the standard features, and the MBUX infotainment system now offers the Interior Assistant, which lets users interact with it using gestures. The cabin keeps its dual-screen dashboard with a reconfigurable gauge display and a 7.0- or 10.3-inch touchscreen.
Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls 2021 the second model year of the C118 generation, with the fastback shape and basic structure unchanged and SiriusXM added to the optional Premium package.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2021 CLA. 21V034000 covers a child seat anchor bar that may be missing on the right-rear seat of the CLA 250, and 26V481000, filed in July 2026, covers a door lock problem across several Mercedes models. The rest are shared software and rearview camera display recalls (21V058000, 21V354000, 22V232000 and 22V365000).
Owners have filed 9 complaints: unknown or other with 4, fuel and propulsion system and vehicle speed control with 2 each, and forward collision avoidance, exterior lighting and power train with 1 each. Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for the year.
2021 CLA against the BMW 2 Series
EPA rates the 2021 CLA at 23 to 29 mpg combined and $2,650 to $3,350 a year in fuel. The BMW 2 Series lists 24 to 28 mpg combined at $2,750 to $3,250. The two are within a mile per gallon at the low end, and the CLA reaches slightly higher at the top.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 4MATIC | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd w/7G-DCT | AWD | 221 | 258 | 6.3 s | 24 / 33 / 27 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| CLA 250 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd w/7G-DCT | FWD | 221 | 258 | 6.3 s | 25 / 35 / 29 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 4MATIC | 3,483 lb | 184.6 in | 56.3 in | 107.4 in | 36.1 ft | 13.5 gal | 38.5 in | 41.8 in | P225/45R18 |
| CLA 250 | 3,362 lb | 184.6 in | 56.3 in | 107.4 in | 36.1 ft | 13.5 gal | 38.5 in | 41.8 in | P225/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | CLA 250 4MATIC | CLA 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Adaptive headlights | Opt | Opt |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Opt | Opt |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Opt | Opt |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | Opt | Opt |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42929AMG CLA35 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM7) | Premium | 22 | 29 | 25 | N/A |
| 43564AMG CLA45 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 20 | 29 | 23 | N/A |
| 42931CLA250 | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM7) | Premium | 25 | 35 | 29 | N/A |
| 42930CLA250 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM7) | Premium | 24 | 33 | 27 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
4 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class versus the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Model year
Against the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 25.5 to 26.0 MPG/MPGe.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How do the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 2 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 221 hp. The CLA 250 has FWD instead of AWD over the CLA 250 4MATIC.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How quickly does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 0-60 mph time is 6.3 seconds on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What size wheels does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's wheel diameter is 18 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class across model years.
See every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year and research hub
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Seasonal and storagePreparing a vehicle for winter storageRoutine →Seasonal and storageVehicle suspected of a lightning strikeStop driving →Warning lightsAirbag or SRS warning lightSoon →Starting and chargingEngine starts and immediately diesDepends →Engine and coolingEngine loses power during accelerationSoon →Transmission and drivetrainWhine or howl from a differentialSoon →