Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs VW T-Roc

Key Differences

There are clear differences in cargo volume and opening dimensions: The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake offers a 11.8 in (20%) longer cargo floor with the rear seats folded down and is 11 in (36%) longer than the VW T-Roc with the first row of seats upright.

In contrast, the VW T-Roc has a significantly larger opening height and width: the trunk opening of the T-Roc is 5.9 in (21%) higher and the width of the opening is 10.2 in (30%) larger than that of the CLA Shooting Brake.

The depth of the cargo area (loading edge to floor) is the same; the loading edge of the T-Roc is only 0.8 in (3%) higher, and the narrowest interior width differs by only 1.6 in (4%) in favor of the CLA — both below the 10% threshold.

Impact on Usability

Due to the greater usable length, the CLA Shooting Brake clearly has an advantage with long items (e.g., slats, skis, long boxes) and generally for maximum cargo when the rear seats are folded down. Those who frequently transport long or stacked cargo inside benefit from the CLA.

The T-Roc, on the other hand, makes loading bulky, tall, or wide items easier: the higher opening and significantly larger opening width simplify passing large packages, furniture parts, or bulky crates. For users who often load voluminous, bulky single items or strollers, the T-Roc is more practical.

Small differences like the T-Roc's 0.8 in higher loading edge or the 1.6 in narrower narrowest point compared to the CLA are usually negligible in practice. Overall: CLA = better for length and maximum volume, T-Roc = better for easier handling of tall or wide cargo.