Compare the2026 Mercedes CLA EQVS 2026 Lexus RZ

The CLA EQ’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RZ doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The CLA EQ has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RZ doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The CLA EQ has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seamlessly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The RZ doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure or other vehicles.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CLA EQ has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Active Brake Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the CLA EQ and the RZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CLA EQ’s warranty.

The CLA EQ has more powerful engines than the RZ:

The CLA EQ can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

The CLA 250+ EQ’s standard 205/55R17 front and 225/50R17 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series front and 50 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front and 55 series rear tires. The CLA EQ’s optional 225/40R19 front and 255/35R19 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front and 45 series rear tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the CLA EQ can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RZ doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The CLA EQ is 3.3 inches shorter than the RZ, making the CLA EQ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CLA EQ has 2.3 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom and 2.6 inches more front shoulder room than the RZ.

The CLA EQ uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The RZ uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

An ASSYST PLUS is standard on the CLA EQ to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RZ, the CLA EQ has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The power windows standard on both the CLA EQ and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the CLA EQ is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the CLA EQ the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the CLA EQ offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights. The CLA EQ also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The Mercedes CLA EQ has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport.

The CLA EQ offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RZ.