Toyota GR86 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes 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 Toyota GR86 starts from $43,240 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class opens at $57,900. That makes the Toyota GR86 the more affordable entry point by $14,660.
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 $47,564 and $63,690 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by roughly $4,130 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota GR86 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota GR86.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota GR86 and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR86 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota GR86 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR86 uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR86 is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR86 measures 4,265mm long on a 2,575mm wheelbase, 423mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at 4,688mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 150L in the Toyota GR86 and 460L in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a 310L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86 and $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. That is a $826 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,679 (Toyota GR86) vs $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class saves you roughly $826 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota GR86 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will save you roughly $826 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-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, Toyota GR86 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class by $14,660.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota GR86 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 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 CLA-Class has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR86 makes the most power at 174kW. The Toyota GR86 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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
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