Mercedes-Benz CLA250
30 MPG The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is EPA-rated at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 500 gallons, $1600 a year in fuel, or $0.107 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2014–2026 run it averages 29.4 MPG, essentially flat across 13 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.107 | $1067 | $1600 | $2133 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.117 | $1167 | $1750 | $2333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2550 | 298 | 1 |
| 2025 | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2550 | 298 | 1 |
| 2024 | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2550 | 296 | 1 |
| 2023 | 29 MPG | 25 | 36 | $2650 | 309 | 1 |
| 2022 | 29 MPG | 25 | 36 | $2650 | 309 | 1 |
| 2021 | 29 MPG | 25 | 35 | $2650 | 306 | 1 |
| 2020 | 28 MPG | 25 | 35 | $2750 | 310 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 24 | 37 | $2650 | 310 | 1 |
| 2018 | 29 MPG | 24 | 37 | $2650 | 310 | 1 |
| 2017 | 29 MPG | 24 | 36 | $2650 | 311 | 1 |
| 2016 | 30 MPG | 26 | 37 | $2550 | 299 | 1 |
| 2015 | 30 MPG | 26 | 37 | $2550 | 299 | 1 |
| 2014 | 30 MPG | 26 | 37 | $2550 | 299 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 ranks 35 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 3 4-Door (30.3), Ford Focus FWD (30.4), BMW 330i Sedan (31), Kia Rio Eco (31), Mazda CX-3 2WD (31).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 298 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 get?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is rated at 30 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 36 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 29.4 MPG, ranging from 28 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 cost in fuel per year?
At 30 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 500 gallons — roughly $1600 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.107 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2550.
Has the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 30 MPG today against 30 in 2014 — essentially flat across 13 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 efficient for its class?
It ranks 35 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 3.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.