The Jetta is the quintessential German car, sporting a distinctive and sporty design. Its high-end features and great fuel economy make it a popular choice amongst drivers worldwide. But there are a lot of cars that have similar qualities to the Volkswagen Jetta.
And if you feel the Volkswagen Jetta has an underwhelming performance and handling, consider one of these similar cars below that also works but tastes better.
12 Cars Similar To The Volkswagen Jetta
Here are 12 cars similar to the Volkswagen Jetta. Some are quite affordable and more luxurious. Meanwhile, others are more expensive with insane luxury. Let’s take a look at them below.
1. 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
The Volkswagen Jetta and the Chevrolet Cruze are both compact cars known for their fuel efficiency. But when comparing these two cars, you should look at price, fuel economy, and standard features.
The Chevrolet Cruze‘s base price is $18,870, and the Volkswagen Jetta’s starts at $21,460—both cars have similar options. Although the Jetta has more horsepower, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control, the Transmission Type isn’t manual, unlike Cruze, which comes automatically.
And in terms of fuel economy, the Volkswagen Jetta is rated at 29 MPG in city driving and 43 on highways. The Chevrolet Cruze gets lower gas mileage than the Volkswagen Passat: 28 MPG in the city and 38 on highways.
The Chevrolet Cruze is standard with a four-speaker audio system, cloth seats, and halogen headlamps. The Volkswagen Jetta also has features like LED headlamps and a four speakers audio system.
The Chevrolet Cruze has received an average rating of 4.09 from users on TrueCar and the Volkswagen Jetta, with a score of 4.68 out of 5. When choosing between these cars, please keep your preferences in mind when deciding between the Chevrolet Cruze and Volkswagen Jetta.
2. 2022 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta are both dependable, well-made cars that have been popular with consumers for years. Both cars have a lot in common, from the mileage per gallon, engines, seating capacity, and design to cost.
The Jetta costs $100 less than the Corolla, with a starting MSRP of $21,460. For most people, this isn’t worth considering; for some, it is.
Aside from that, the Jetta also has marginally better fuel economy than the Corolla. The Jetta gets 29 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on highways, while the Corolla only manages 30/38 MPG on highways respectively.
The Toyota Corolla comes standard with a cloth seat, a six-speaker audio system, and LED headlamps.
On the other hand, the Volkswagen Jetta offers Cloth seats, LED headlamps, and a 4-speaker audio system by default; however, they do not offer any options for leather seating or premium sound systems.
Lastly, The Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta have been deemed by users to be both reliable vehicles with a high level of safety. Jetta will prove more horsepower. Meanwhile, the corolla has more Horsepower RPM and Torque RPM.
3. Chevy Malibu
Chevy Malibu and Volkswagen Jetta are both cars that are highly sought after by the millions of people who drive them. While both models offer similar features and characteristics, one way to determine which is better would be to consider their performance capabilities.
For instance, Malibu tends to operate with a 4 Cylinder Engine with 1.5-liter gasoline fuel that produces 160 hp. And depending on the model, you can get a 250-hp, 2.0-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine. Meanwhile, Jetta runs a 158-hp, 1.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel).
Although, the Volkswagen Jetta has slightly better mileage than the Prius. The VW is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 43 on highways, while the Toyota gets 29 mpg city/36 mpg on highways. But The Chevy Malibu has better TRANSMISSION, more exterior length and width, and slightly spacious leg and headroom.
Like the Volkswagen Jetta, the Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system and Halogen headlamps. However, it also offers Cloth seats in its base model, whereas the VW only has that option for higher trim levels such as Sport or Highline.
4. Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 has all the handling prowess of an economy car, despite its SUV exterior. It has a sporty feel and a high-quality interior, which contribute to the driving experience.
In addition, the CX-3’s four-cylinder engine isn’t very energetic, but its power is more than sufficient for everyday use.
The upside: the highway mileage of up to 34 mpg and city mileage of up to 29 mpg.
And the CX-3 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus and comes equipped with forward collision avoidance and lane departure warning, making it a safe choice.
5. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio and Jetta are both roomy small cars with comparable fuel efficiency, but the Rio—available from $17,390 for its most basic trim level—has a lower starting price.
The Jetta’s 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine offers more power than the Rio’s 120-horsepower 2 liters, though with a smaller displacement. They both have rear-wheel torsion beam suspensions.
Both cars look solid, but the Jetta has a more formal appearance. Although, most people would prefer the aggressively sporty look of the Kia Rio.
6. 2022 Nissan Versa
If you’re searching for a compact sedan at a price point lower than the Jetta (starting around $16,850), then it makes sense to consider the Nissan Versa. Both cars provide good mileage and smooth rides—and comfortable seating too!
While the Nissan Versa has the advantage over the Jetta in terms of pricing, in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume, and overall quality score, the Volkswagen Jetta fares better than Nissan Versa.
The Jetta has more passenger space than the Versa, at 94.7 cubic feet to 88.9 cubic feet.
The Jetta offers standard features of WiFi hotspot connectivity, smart device integration, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Versa does not offer these options in base models. Also, Jetta’s engine is turbocharged, offering up 158 hp to the Versa’s measly 122.
7. 2023 Subaru Impreza
The Volkswagen Jetta and Subaru Impreza are both affordable and reliable compact sedans. Both cars can seat 5 people comfortably, but Jetta’s interior offers more comfort than its competitors. Also, the Jetta has more cargo room than the Impreza and conserves more fuel. It offers a 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel) that produces 158 horsepower.
In general, Volkswagen’s Jetta is better equipped to meet the needs of today’s drivers with its comfortable and convenient features. On the other hand, the Subaru Impreza does a nice job when it comes to handling. It scores the highest of the two.
So it’s more fun and responsive to drive than the Jetta.
8. Nissan Sentra
Nissan recently upgraded the Sentra, which has made it more appealing to consumers.
The Nissan 2022 has a starting price similar to the Volkswagen Jetta, yet it offers a comfortable interior and a classic-looking exterior. It’s more of an economical package in style, whereas the Jetta comes in heavy with more features and money.
Although both cars’ infotainment systems, mileage, and cargo space are of comparable sizes. But, the Volkswagen Jetta has a slightly more exterior length with more leg and headroom.
It also has an overall 5-star NHTSA crash test rating, whereas the Sentra is not rated. The Jetta gives you more power with 158 hp compared to the Sentra’s 149 horsepower.
9. 2022 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Jetta are both compact cars that have a lot in common. Both vehicles have four-cylinder engines and manual transmissions. But on the performance front, the Mazda3 outmuscles the Volkswagen Jetta.
First, Mazda3 has three engine options: the turbocharged version of that motor, which produces 250 horsepower; a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (186 horsepower), and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 horsepower).
Meanwhile, The Volkswagen Jetter only comes with a 158-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Aside from that, Mazda3 is available with either a front-wheel drive system or an all-wheel drive system that enhances traction.
Sadly, the Jetta is only equipped with a front-wheel drive system. And in terms of efficiency, Mazda3 still leads.
It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 mpg in the city, and 41 on the highway. By comparison, the Jetta has a gas mileage rating of 28 mpg in the city and 36 on highways.
More importantly, the Mazda3 has better crash test ratings than the Jetta. However, it is quite pricier than the Jetta. But Jetta’s interior is slightly roomier than the Mazda 3’s because of its larger trunk space.
10. 2022 Kia Forte
In terms of design, Kia Forte is similar to Volkswagen Jetta because they both have similar designs with bold lines and curves. However, it should be noted that Kia Forte has a slightly more spacious interior for passengers than the Volkswagen Jetta does.
Aside from that, it is affordably priced under $20,000 despite its class-leading powertrain warranty and attractively styled appearance. Although, the Jetta still captures the upper hand swamping the Kia Forte when comparing all in all.
For instance, the VW Jetta’s standard 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque—more than its competition from Kia, Ford, or Toyota.
And with a highway mileage rating of 43 MPG, it is more efficient too! Standard driver-assist safety features help make up for Jetta’s conservative styling, but its subpar drivetrain warranty is a disadvantage.
And with a base price of just over $20,000, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan will cost slightly more than the Kia Forte. However, the value of these features makes the higher price worthwhile.
11. Hyundai Elantra
Elantra 2023 is quite pricier than the Jetta 2022, but it comes with a lot of goodies. The Hyundai Elantra is the best-selling compact car in America, with a large share of the market. It competes with other compact cars, such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
The Elantra combines efficient hybrid power with a daring design. The cabin, however, is rather plain compared to competitors’ interior designs. It has more horsepower, head and leg room, and better transmission.
For drivers interested in the latest automotive technology, the Elantra’s Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission bests Volkswagen’s 8-speed automatic transmission. The Elantra also offers Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes —something VW doesn’t offer on its car.
In the end, it’s ultimately your decision: both cars offer similar features. However, the Elantra may have an edge when it comes to driver-assist technology.
12. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta are two cars that offer consumers searching for a cost-effective, attractive midsize car with plenty of interior space: both models have high resale values.
Jetta’s ride quality is impressive its suspension feels a little bit nicer than the Civic’s. It has a better engine, so it’s faster, gets better gas mileage, and produces more torque.
The Honda Civic and VW Jetta are comparable in size, though the former offers slightly more passenger room. The latter gives you more trim options.
When it comes to features, options are limitless! The VW Jetta S comes standard with LED headlights and 16-inch black alloy wheels, as well as App-Connect.
Meanwhile, Honda Civic LX comes with LED lighting, connected audio integration—and fully covered 16-inch wheels. But if you want the style of black alloy wheels in the sportier trim level (Honda Civic Sport), then you will have to upgrade from the base model.
Comparatively, VW Jetta SE comes with Front Assist and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for safety; its sunroof also provides comfort and luxury.
However, if you want a moonroof on your Honda Civic, it is only available as an upgrade on higher-trim models such as the Honda Civic Si.
Conclusion
Every single one is worth considering if you’re shopping for a compact sedan. To find out which is best, check out the full listing on our guide to the 15 cars similar to the Volkswagen Jetta.
And if you’re still debating on whether to get the Volkswagen Jetta or another car, this car-similar analysis has provided you with some helpful information.
While the Jetta may not be for everyone, there are some nice elements to it that might be worth checking out.