Head-to-head
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class vs 2026 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 91.5 to 65, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is ahead on performance.
A
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact sedan with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CLE300 4matic (C…
vs
A2026 Toyota Corolla
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact sedan with 12 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Corolla Hybrid, …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Corolla
Clear winThe Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 91.5 to 65, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is ahead on performance.
Price 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 61.5
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 52.5
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 26.8
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota Corollaoverall 91.5 | 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Classoverall 65 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 38.5 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 47.5 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 81.7 | 81 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 68.7 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 73.2 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 91.5 | 65 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Toyota Corolla: base trim LE FWD · Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: base trim CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota Corolla wins
- It lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 9.
- It starts $36,625 lower ($22,925 against $59,550 base MSRP).
- It costs $1,700 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $3,050).
Where the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (3 against 17 filed with NHTSA).
- It turns out 295 lb-ft of torque against 151.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
41 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $22,925 | $59,550 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,987 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve | 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo with 48V Mild Hybrid System |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 32 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 35 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 41 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Transmission speeds | — | 9 |
| Transmission type | cvt | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | — |
| Overall height | 56.5 in | 56.2 in |
| Overall length | 182 in | 191 in |
| Overall width | 70.1 in | 73.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | 113 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.1 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 88.6 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 2,955 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 2,955 lbs | 4,057 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar | — |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion beam rear suspension | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | — |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 35.6 ft | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 274 mm | — |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | Automatic Electric Parking Brake | — |
| Rear brake diameter | 259 mm | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | steel | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P205/55R16 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | — |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota | SiriusXM |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 12 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
129 features · differences first, then sharedSafety41 differ · 42 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Assist | — | std |
| 11 Airbags (includes center airbag between front seats and head airbags for rear passengers) | — | std |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| ATTENTION ASSIST Driver Drowsiness Monitor | — | std |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor on all passenger belts | std | — |
| Active Brake Assist | — | std |
| Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Active Steering Assist and Extended Restart in Stop-and-Go Traffic, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Route-Based Speed Adaptation, Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function, and PRE-SAFE® PLUS with PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side | — | opt |
| Adaptive Highbeam Assist | — | std |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors, driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | — |
| Auto High Beams | std | — |
| Automatic Electric Parking Brake | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening seats | std | — |
| Driver Assistance Package | — | opt |
| Electric Parking Brake | std | — |
| Electronic Stability Control | std | — |
| Electronically Controlled Brake system (ECB) | std | — |
| Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column | std | — |
| Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones with side-impact door beams | std | — |
| Front Seatbelt Presenters | — | std |
| Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | std | — |
| GUARD 360 with Picture Taking Functionality | — | opt |
| Head-impact protection structure | std | — |
| High-tensile-strength steel body panels | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control | std | — |
| Integrated backup camera with projected path | std | — |
| Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist | std | — |
| Lane Tracing Assist | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | std | — |
| PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist | — | std |
| Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| PRE-SAFE® with PRE-SAFE® Sound | — | std |
| Road Sign Assist | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 | std | — |
| Engine immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System | std | — |
| 11 Airbags (includes center airbag between front seats and head airbags for rear passengers) | std | std |
Infotainment18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Head-Up Display | — | opt |
| 11.9-inch Central Multimedia Display | — | std |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription. | std | — |
| Burmester® Surround Sound System with Speakers Integrated into Front Seat Headrests, Sound Personalization and Music Streaming | — | std |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with "Hey, Toyota", and Destination Assist. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Inductive Wireless Smartphone Charging | opt | std |
| MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation | — | opt |
| MBUX Entertainment Plus | — | opt |
| MBUX Infotainment and Navigation with Voice Control, including Natural Language Understanding and Keyword Activation ("Hey Mercedes"), and Routines Function | — | std |
| MBUX Profile Identification via Biometric Fingerprint Scanner | — | std |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| SiriusXM with Trial Period | — | std |
| Two front USB-C ports | std | — |
| Two rear USB-C ports | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — With AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming with Apple Music® and Amazon Music compatibility. Subscription required. 30 days or up to 3GB trial included. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | — | std |
Convenience8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk-release functions | opt | — |
| Digital Vehicle Key | — | std |
| Front and rear power windows with one-touch auto up/down | std | — |
| KEYLESS-START and KEYLESS-GO | — | std |
| LE Premium Package: Includes Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, panic and trunk-release functions; 16-in. alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires; and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging | opt | — |
| Multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic, and trunk-release functions | std | — |
| One 12V auxiliary power outlet | std | — |
| Power door locks with automatic locking feature | std | — |
Climate2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, and push-button controls | std | — |
| Energizing AIR Control | — | opt |
Seating8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest and two cup holders | std | — |
| Power Heated Front Seats with Memory | — | std |
| Ventilated Front Seats | — | opt |
| Fabric-trimmed 6-way adjustable driver's seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Leather and Nappa Leather Upholstery with Special Coating for Seat Surfaces to Remain Cooler in Direct Sunlight (by up to 23 degrees Fahrenheit) | — | opt |
| Leather and Nappa Leather Upholstery with Special Coating for Seat Surfaces to Remain Cooler in Direct Sunlight (by up to 23 degrees Fahrenheit) | — | opt |
| Multicontour Front Seats with Massage | — | opt |
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest and two cup holders | std | — |
Interior18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | std |
| 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster | — | std |
| 64-Color Ambient Lighting | — | std |
| 7-in. Digital Gauge Cluster | std | — |
| Center console with storage compartment | std | — |
| Digital clock | std | — |
| Front- and rear-door storage pockets | std | — |
| Illuminated Door Sills | — | std |
| Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel | — | std |
| New Black Fine Structure Center Console | — | std |
| Overhead console with maplights | std | — |
| Passenger-side glove compartment | std | — |
| Pinnacle Trim | — | opt |
| Tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist controls | std | — |
| Two front cup holders | std | — |
| Two rear cup holders | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors | opt | — |
Exterior20 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 16-in. alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires | opt | — |
| 16-in. steel wheels with covers and P205/55R16 tires | std | — |
| 18- and 19-inch Wheels without AMG Line (CLE 300 4MATIC) | — | opt |
| 18-inch Wheels (CLE 300 4MATIC) | — | std |
| 19- and 20-inch Wheels with AMG Line (CLE 300 4MATIC) | — | opt |
| AMG Line with AMG Exterior Styling, AMG Wheels, Sport Suspension, Sport Brake System, AMG Line Interior and Flat-Bottom Sport Steering Wheel | — | opt |
| Black front grille | std | — |
| Color-keyed outside door handles | std | — |
| Color-keyed power outside mirrors with Blind Spot Monitor warning indicators | std | — |
| Color-keyed roof-mounted shark-fin antenna | std | — |
| DIGITAL LIGHT with Projections | — | opt |
| Intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights and accent lighting | std | — |
| LED Headlamps and Taillamps | — | std |
| LED taillights and stop lights | std | — |
| Night Package | — | opt |
| Panorama Roof | — | std |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | — | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Tire Repair Kit | std | — |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | — |
Powertrain9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Front-wheel drive (FWD) | std | — |
| 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic Transmission | — | std |
| Automatic engine shutoff | std | — |
| Dynamic Select | — | std |
| Electric Motor Power Output (front): 70 kW (93 hp) | std | — |
| Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission | std | — |
| Hybrid Battery Pack - Lithium-Ion, 600 volts maximum | std | — |
| Net Combined Horsepower: 138 horsepower | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-degree Rear-Axle Steering and Suspension with Adaptive Damping System | — | opt |
| Electric Power Steering (EPS): rack-and-pinion | std | — |
| Independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar (Front) | std | — |
| Multilink suspension with stabilizer bar (Rear) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Corolla
Safety Signal 97 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 17 · 6 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (8), Service Brakes (3), Air Bags (2)
Top recalls
- minor Exterior Lighting 26V110000 · 86 vehicles
Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class
Safety Signal 92 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 3 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Power Train (3), Engine (2), Fuel/Propulsion System (1)
Top recalls
- high Electrical System 26V281000 · 144,049 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Mercedes-Benz CLE-ClassCLE 300 4MATIC Coupe AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22,925 (base trim) | $59,550 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $22,925 – $29,140 8 trims | $59,550 – $84,600 5 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | HEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Corolla Hybrid | CLE300 4matic (Coupe) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 50 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,350 | $3,050 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 91.5 to 65, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is ahead on performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Corolla scores 91.5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class 65. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla starts lower — $22,925 against $59,550, a gap of $36,625 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
2026 Toyota Corolla: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 1 recall. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class?
Where the 2026 Toyota Corolla wins: it lists 31 standard driver-assist features against 9, starts $36,625 lower ($22,925 against $59,550 base MSRP), and costs $1,700 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $3,050). Where the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (3 against 17 filed with NHTSA) and turns out 295 lb-ft of torque against 151.