Car and Driver has consistently reviewed the CLA-Class, highlighting its dramatic styling, low-slung coupe-like silhouette, and strong AMG acceleration, while noting trade-offs like a compact cabin, limited rear headroom, and firm ride. They praise the high-quality interior, MBUX infotainment, and driver assistance features, but criticize the CLA as less practical and more expensive than rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, with cramped rear seats and a small trunk. The 2.0-liter turbo engine is praised for refinement and punch, though the dual-clutch transmission can be hesitant at low speeds. Overall, it is a style-forward entry-luxury car that prioritizes looks over functionality.

MotorTrend evaluated the CLA-Class with instrumented tests, confirming sprightly acceleration for the AMG CLA45 (0-60 mph in about 4.0 seconds) and commending firm, well-controlled body motions on curvy roads. However, they note the standard CLA250's ride can feel brittle on broken pavement, especially with 19-inch AMG Line wheels. The car offers strong base value relative to the A-Class sedan, excellent front-seat comfort, and an intuitive MBUX interface. Criticisms include a claustrophobic back seat, average trunk space, coarse engine sound at high rpm, and quickly escalating options pricing. Overall, a sharp-looking, tech-rich compact sedan for buyers prioritizing aesthetics and brand cachet over space and value.