Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Durchschnitt Compact SUV

Key Differences

The Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers clear advantages in usable cargo space lengthwise and depth: the usable trunk length with folded seats is 11.4 in (≈19%) longer than the average compact SUV, and with the front seats upright, the CLA is even 11.4 in (≈38%) longer.

Additionally, the loading depth (distance from loading edge → trunk floor) in the CLA is 3.1 in (≈57%) greater, indicating more usable depth at the rear of the cargo area.

Advantages in favor of the average SUV concern the opening: the trunk opening is 3.1 in (≈11%) higher and the width of the opening 3.9 in (≈11%) wider than in the CLA.

Smaller differences under 10% are negligible: the width at the narrowest point is 2.8 in (7%) greater in the CLA, and the loading edge height is only 0.4 in (1%) higher.

Impact on Usability

The strengths of the CLA Shooting Brake practically mean: more space for long items (skis, long furniture parts, longer luggage) and generally more usable cargo area when seats are folded or the rear bench is not fully used.

The greater depth facilitates storing flat, longer, or bulkier cargo further back in the vehicle.

The advantages of the compact SUV in opening height and width, on the other hand, mean better access and more loading comfort for wide or tall items (large boxes, bulky suitcases, plants, furniture) because such items fit more easily through the opening without needing to be tilted or turned.

Especially practical everyday scenarios like loading crates or bulky single parts benefit from the larger opening.

Conclusion: If you frequently transport long or flat-stowable items and make extensive use of pass-through cargo space, the CLA Shooting Brake has the advantage.

If, however, you often need to load wide or tall single items and value easy, uncomplicated loading, the compact SUV with its larger and taller opening is more practical.