Compare the2023 Volkswagen GTIVS 2022 Mercedes AMG CLA

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen GTI 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 GTI 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 GTI has standard Maneuver Braking 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 GTI’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 GTI 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 GTI and the AMG CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the GTI the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 158 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG CLA has not been tested, yet.

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

Volkswagen pays for scheduled maintenance on the GTI 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 GTI’s warranty.

The Volkswagen GTI’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 GTI gets better mileage than the AMG CLA:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GTI’s fuel efficiency. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

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

The GTI stops shorter than the AMG CLA:

The GTI 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.

For better maneuverability, the GTI’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the AMG CLA 35’s (35.8 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The GTI’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the AMG CLA 45’s (35.8 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Volkswagen GTI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 450 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG CLA.

The GTI is 1 foot, 4 inches shorter than the AMG CLA, making the GTI easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GTI has 2.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the AMG CLA (91.9 vs. 89).

The GTI has .8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.4 inches more rear headroom and 1.1 inches more rear legroom than the AMG CLA.

The GTI’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The AMG CLA does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GTI has a standard rear wiper. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

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

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

On extremely cold winter days, the GTI’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

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

The GTI was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 16 of the last 16 years. The AMG CLA has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the GTI as their 2015 Car of the Year. The AMG CLA has never been chosen.

The GTI was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 5 of the last 15 years. The AMG CLA has never been an “All Star.”

The Volkswagen Golf/GTI outsold the Mercedes CLA by 69% during the 2021 model year.