Compare the2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2022 Mercedes AMG CLA

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI 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 AMG CLA doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Jetta GLI 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 AMG 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Jetta GLI has a standard backup collision prevention system that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Jetta GLI’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 AMG CLA.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Jetta GLI has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the AMG CLA.

Both the Jetta GLI and the AMG CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems and rearview cameras.

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 Jetta GLI the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 212 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG CLA has not been tested, yet.

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

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the Jetta GLI 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 AMG 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 Jetta GLI’s warranty.

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

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the AMG CLA:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The AMG CLA requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

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

The Jetta GLI 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 AMG 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 AMG CLA don’t have a run-flat feature, either.

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLA.

The Jetta GLI has 5.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG CLA (94.7 vs. 89).

The Jetta GLI has .8 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom and 3.5 inches more rear legroom than the AMG CLA.

The Jetta GLI has a much larger trunk than the AMG CLA (14.1 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

To shield the driver’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side window, the Jetta GLI has a standard extendable sun visor. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer extendable visors.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the AMG CLA.

Insurance will cost less for the Jetta GLI owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Jetta GLI will cost $11225 to $12225 less than the AMG CLA over a five-year period.

The Jetta GLI will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Jetta GLI will retain 49.8% to 51.08% of its original price after five years, while the AMG CLA only retains 48.97%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI will be $36143 to $40991 less than for the Mercedes AMG CLA.

The Jetta GLI was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2 of the last 2 years. The AMG CLA has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the Mercedes CLA by almost 10 to one during the 2021 model year.