Compare the2025 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2025 Mercedes CLE

The MX-5 Miata’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the CLE.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the CLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the CLE. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the CLE ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 40 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the CLE Cabriolet:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The CLE requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The MX-5 Miata offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The CLE doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The MX-5 Miata stops shorter than the CLE:

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the CLE’s (55% to 45%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 7.6 feet tighter than the CLE’s (30.8 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1700 to 1950 pounds less than the Mercedes CLE.

The MX-5 Miata is 3 feet shorter than the CLE, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata is 7.5 inches shorter in height than the CLE, making the MX-5 Miata much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The CLE doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Mercedes does not offer a locking feature on the CLE’s standard power windows.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda MX-5 Miata, based on reliability, safety and performance.