Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class cost?

Prices have softened 8.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 387 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Performance at 9/10.

It stands out as a compact four-door that brings Mercedes-like quality to a smaller, more accessible sedan with a performance focus. The A 35 version adds all-wheel drive, a more potent engine, a sport suspension, and a long list of standard features, while the test-drive notes also point to strong technology and solid safety credentials.

The trade-offs are clear: styling is described as uninspired, value is called poor, and the transmission can be irritating. If you want a quick, well-equipped luxury compact sedan and can live with those compromises, this model year fits that use case well.

34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The A-Class is presented as a premium compact sedan with a solid feel, and the performance-focused A 35 adds a more potent engine, all-wheel drive, and a sport suspension that should appeal if you want a car that feels composed and quick. The performance notes also describe the car as a delight to drive, with confidence-inspiring handling and strong overall competence.

The cost-effectiveness notes suggest you should pay close attention to how the car was optioned, since some desirable equipment was bundled into packages rather than included on lower-spec examples. For used buyers, that means long-term ownership risk is less about the basic hardware and more about whether the specific car you choose has the equipment and condition you expect.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage or heavily optioned example. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment and maintenance history match the asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes the front-wheel-drive A 220 sedan, the all-wheel-drive A 220 4Matic sedan, and the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic sedan. The A 35 is the performance-focused choice with a more potent engine, sport suspension, and a richer standard feature set, while the lower trims are the ones where feature gaps matter most.
• Powertrain: The A 35 uses an AMG-prepared 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard 4Matic AWD. The A 220 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 188 hp and 221 lb-ft.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes blind-spot assist, a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED taillights, an advanced airbag protection system, active brake assist, an electronic stability program, and emergency call service. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on dual 10.25-inch displays, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The MBUX system adds voice control, and the available Multimedia Package brings navigation, navigation services for five years, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, and traffic sign assist.
• Fuel efficiency: The A 35 is rated at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is offered in 3 trim levels: A 220 sedan, A 220 4Matic sedan, A 35 4Matic sedan.

Here's the short version:

• A 220 sedan: This is the entry point if you want the A-Class experience at the lowest price, but you give up the all-wheel-drive hardware and the performance character that define the A 35.
• A 220 4Matic sedan: This is the better pick if you want the added traction of AWD without stepping all the way up to the AMG model.
• A 35 4Matic sedan: This is the best-value choice if you care most about driving enjoyment, because it adds the stronger engine, sport suspension, and the most complete standard feature set.

The safety content notes that the Driver Assistance Package is optional, so if you want the most advanced driver-assistance features, make sure the specific car you’re considering has that package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 387 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,112, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class's resale value?

The current average of $22,151 sits slightly below last year's $24,122.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your future resale will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well-equipped the car is.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class safe?

The A 35 gets a high-performance braking system with four-piston monoblock fixed calipers and big discs up front, and single-piston sliding calipers and big discs in the rear.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety features include blind-spot assist, a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED taillights, an advanced airbag protection system, active brake assist, an electronic stability program, and emergency call service. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, among other features.

Should I buy a 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year continues the A 35 with incremental upgrades, while keeping the performance-focused compact four-door formula intact.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest blend of performance, technology, and premium feel in this model year, the 2021 is the one to target. If your priority is simply the lowest possible entry price, you may want to compare it with other years or lower trims, but the 2021 remains the better pick when you value the A 35’s quick, well-equipped character.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.