Compare the2022 Volkswagen PassatVS 2021 Mercedes CLA

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Passat are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Mercedes CLA doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Passat has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CLA doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Passat’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the CLA.

Both the Passat and the CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Passat the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 205 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The CLA has not been tested, yet.

The Passat’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the CLA’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Passat for 2 years and 20,000 miles. Volkswagen will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the CLA.

There are over 66 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Passat’s warranty.

The Volkswagen Passat’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the CLA’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Passat’s reliability 13 points higher than the CLA.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Passat uses regular unleaded gasoline. The CLA requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Passat has 5 gallons more fuel capacity than the CLA (18.5 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Passat higher (7 out of 10) than the Mercedes CLA (5). This means the Passat produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the CLA every 15,000 miles.

The Passat stops shorter than the CLA:

For better traction, the Passat has larger tires than the CLA (235/45R18 vs. 225/45R18).

The Passat has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the CLA; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed. Some tire options on the CLA don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Passat’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the CLA (110.4 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Passat a Mid-size car, while the CLA is rated a Compact.

The Passat has 12 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CLA (101 vs. 89).

The Passat has .6 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.1 inches more rear headroom, 5.2 inches more rear legroom and 3 inches more rear shoulder room than the CLA.

The Passat has a much larger trunk than the CLA (15.9 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Passat to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The CLA doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports rated the Passat’s headlight performance “Fair” to “Good” (depending on model and options), a higher rating than the CLA’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Passat SE/SEL has standard extendable sun visors. The CLA doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Passat has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the CLA. The Passat Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CLA.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Volkswagen Passat, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes CLA isn't recommended.

The Volkswagen Passat outsold the Mercedes CLA by almost three to one during the 2021 model year.