Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs Toyota Kluger
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class starts from $104,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Kluger opens at $62,410. That makes the Toyota Kluger the more affordable entry point by $42,490.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $115,390 and $68,651 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Kluger by roughly $2,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 96% for the Toyota Kluger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Kluger.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Kluger. The Toyota Kluger counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid making 184kW and 242Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Kluger is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 116mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 385L in the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class a 144L advantage. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 4.
For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger. That is a $542 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs $1,596 (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $542 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Kluger takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $542 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Toyota Kluger?
The Toyota Kluger is the cheapest at $62,410 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class by $42,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Kluger uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class and Toyota Kluger all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has the largest boot at 385L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Kluger has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Kluger makes the most power at 184kW. The Toyota Kluger is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
