Compare the2024 Lexus ISVS 2024 Mercedes AMG CLA

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus IS 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The IS offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

The IS’ 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.

Both the IS and the AMG CLA have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view 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 standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the IS its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 131 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The AMG CLA has not been tested, yet.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the IS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the AMG CLA. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the AMG CLA ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The IS’ corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the AMG CLA’s (6 vs. 5 years).

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 IS’ reliability 36 points higher than the AMG CLA.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The AMG CLA isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

The IS 500’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 56 more horsepower (472 vs. 416) and 26 lbs.-ft. more torque (395 vs. 369) than the AMG CLA 45’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The IS has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the AMG CLA (17.4 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The IS 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 a smoother ride and more stable handling, the IS’ wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the AMG CLA (110.2 inches vs. 107.4 inches).

For better maneuverability, the IS’ turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the AMG CLA 35’s (34.2 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The IS AWD’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the AMG CLA 45’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The IS has 3 inches more front legroom, .8 inches more front shoulder room and 1.2 inches more rear headroom than the AMG CLA.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the IS offers cargo security. The AMG CLA’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

The engine in the IS is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the AMG CLA. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 48% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

The IS’ 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.

A power rear sunshade is optional in the IS to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a rear sunshade.

The IS is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The AMG CLA doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the IS first among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The AMG CLA isn’t in the top three.

The Lexus IS outsold the Mercedes CLA by over two to one during 2023.