2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, A 250 4matic 5dr Hatch, Amg A 35 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 173.6–178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,318–3,428 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,417 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 24% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 A-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 A-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 178.7 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,417 lb | |
| A 250 4matic 5dr Hatch | 173.6 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,318 lb | |
| Amg A 35 5dr Hatch | 174.8 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 107.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,428 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A220 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +24% | $2,850 | 309 |
| A220 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +20% | $2,950 | 316 |
| AMG A35 4matic | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 360 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Volvo S60 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 A-Class | 28 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 A-Class | 28 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 A-Class | 28 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →