Comparing the VW Jetta to the Competition
You have many great options When shopping for a compact sedan in the Sarasota area. One of them is the Volkswagen Jetta. The Volkswagen Jetta is a popular choice that offers a winning combination of performance, efficiency, comfort, and safety. But how does it compare to top competitors like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra? We'll be looking at how the Jetta compares to the Civic and Elantra in key areas, so let's see how it stacks up.
| Features | 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | 2024 Honda Civic | 2024 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive | Front wheel drive | Front wheel drive |
| Engine power | 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Engine torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 1.5 l | 2.0 l | 2.0 l |
| Engine configuration | Inline 4 | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 29 / 40 / 33 MPG | 30 / 37 / 33 MPG | 31 / 40 / 34 MPG |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
| Driving Range (city/hwy) | 383 / 528 miles | 372 / 459 miles | 384 / 496 miles |
Performance
The Volkswagen Jetta comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque. This powertrain provides brisk acceleration to merge and maneuver on highways around Bradenton confidently. The Jetta's eight-speed automatic transmission offers smooth, precise shifts for an engaging driving experience.
In comparison, the Honda Civic has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb.-ft of torque. While the horsepower is the same as the Jetta, the Civic has noticeably less torque, which impacts its responsiveness. The Civic's CVT aims for efficiency but doesn't provide the same direct, connected feel as the Jetta's traditional automatic.
The Hyundai Elantra's base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque, trailing the Jetta in both metrics. The Elantra's standard CVT operates smoothly but doesn't match the Jetta's eight-speed automatic. Overall, the Jetta's turbocharged engine gives it a performance advantage over the naturally aspirated engines in the Civic and Elantra.
Fuel Economy
The Volkswagen Jetta impresses in many ways, especially its fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated rating of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. This allows you to cruise past gas stations more often on your commutes around Lakewood Ranch. With its 13.2-gallon fuel tank, the Jetta can travel up to 528 miles on a single fill-up based on its 40 mpg highway rating.
When equipped with its base engine, the Honda Civic gets an estimated 30 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. While the Civic matches the Jetta's city fuel economy, it falls three mpg short on the highway. The Civic has a smaller 12.4-gallon fuel tank, giving it a maximum highway range of about 459 miles.
The Hyundai Elantra base trim returns an impressive 33 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, slightly edging out the Jetta in both measures. However, the Elantra has a smaller 12.4-gallon fuel tank like the Civic, resulting in a maximum highway range of around 533 miles - barely more than the Jetta. So, while the Elantra has a slight efficiency advantage, the Jetta's larger tank allows it to travel farther.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the Volkswagen Jetta provides a spacious and upscale environment with quality materials throughout. It offers 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, with especially generous rear legroom of 37.4 inches. Trunk space is also sizable at 14.1 cubic feet. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system. There are also available upgrades like a digital cockpit, eight-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and premium Beats Audio sound system.
The Honda Civic's interior is also quite roomy, though slightly smaller than the Jetta, with 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. Rear legroom is nearly as generous at 37.1 inches. Although the Civic offers a bit more trunk space at 14.8 cubic feet. It also comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a four-speaker stereo. Also, the Civic can be upgraded with a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and 12-speaker Bose audio system.
As for the Hyundai Elantra, this model has the most rear legroom of the three at 38.0 inches. However, it trails in overall passenger volume with 92.2 cubic feet, and its trunk is comparable to that of the Jetta. Standard on the Elantra is an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker audio system. Higher trims offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and Bose eight-speaker audio system.
Safety
The Volkswagen Jetta earned a five-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating possible. Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, and rear traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are available in higher trims. The Jetta also comes with Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System, which can turn off the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and activate the hazard lights in certain types of collisions.
The Honda Civic also performs well in NHTSA crash testing and comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes collision mitigation, land departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic matches most of the Jetta's standard and available safety features, though it lacks an equivalent to the Jetta's Intelligent Crash Response System.
The Hyundai Elantra rounds out the trio with another five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, and safe exit warning. A blind-spot monitor and adaptive cruise control are optional upgrades. Like the Civic, the Elantra matches the Jetta in many safety features but doesn't offer a system comparable to Volkswagen's post-crash response technology.
Pick Up a New Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is an outstanding compact sedan that compares favorably to the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra across key categories. With its strong engine, excellent fuel economy, roomy interior, and top safety scores, the Jetta has advantages over its rivals in several areas that matter to Sarasota drivers.
If you're in Venice, FL, or Bradenton areas and looking for a well-rounded compact car, the Volkswagen Jetta is well worth your time and money. Experience the Jetta's strengths for yourself with a test drive at Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota and discover why the Jetta is the smart choice for your daily drives around Lakewood Ranch and beyond.
We're sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.
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Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota
2124 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239
- Sales: 941-921-8080
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