10 Cars Similar to the Volkswagen Jetta
Compact sedans like the Volkswagen Jetta are one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. These affordable, fuel efficient and easy to maintain cars are an asset to those requiring dependable transportation. According to Motormouth’s test drive, the 2022 Jetta is a great choice for commuters the end, compact sedans take the headache away from being a car owner. Though the Volkswagen Jetta is widely popular, there may be some consumers who have slightly different preferences, such as exterior body styling or driver technology. As such, let’s take a look at some alternative cars similar to the Volkswagen Jetta.
10. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio 4 door sedan is somewhat comparable to the Volkswagen Jetta for 2022, as the Optima sedan model was discontinued in 2020. The Kia Rio and Jetta both seat 5 comfortably and have good gas mileage, but the Rio comes in at a lower starting price of around $17,390 for the Rio S IVT trim. The Jetta’s 1.5 liter 4 cylinder engine offers a bit more power at 158 hp than the Rio’s 120 hp. Where exterior styling is concerned both are similar with the Jetta having a more solid appearance. Both have torsion beam suspension as well.
9. Chevy Malibu
If you’ve noticed one thing one our list of cars similar to the Volkswagen Jetta, is that the list is mostly comprised by sedans from foreign car makers. That’s because most domestic car manufacturers have been slowly ditching sedans in favor of SUV’s. Whick is probably the reason that you’ve had trouble ordering one. That being said, the Chevy Malibu and Jetta have a lot in common, starting with price. The Malibu ranges from $23,400 to $33,500 and the Jetta from $20,365 to $28,095. Both get great mileage, seat 5 comfortably, and have similar exterior styling. However, the Malibu gets points for offering a more powerful engine as an option at 250 hp.
8. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a compact sedan at a price point lower than the Jetta at a starting price around $16,850. Both have good mileage, smooth rides and provide comfortable seating. However, the Jetta is slightly more spacious at 94.7 cubic feet of passenger space while the Versa has only 88.9 cubic feet. With regards to the infotainment system the Jetta out paces the Versa by offering a WiFi hotspot, smart device integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as Standard, whereas the Versa does not. Both have 4 cylinder engines, however the Jetta’s is turbocharged with the Jetta offering up 158 hp to the Versa’s measly 122 hp.
7. Subaru Impreza
The Volkswagen Jetta compares well to the Subaru Impreza as both are affordable and reliable compact sedans. The interiors of both are quite spacious and offer comfortable seating for 5, however the 2022 Jetta provides the most comfort of the two. The Jetta also has more cargo space than the 2022 Impreza. Between the two manufacturers, Volkswagen scores higher by staying in step with the times with Jetta’s comfort and convenience features. Subaru, on the other hand, hasn’t done much to update their AWD Impreza, and according to carsdirect.com, doesn’t plan to soon. When it comes to handling, the Impreza scores higher as it’s more fun to drive as well as more responsive.
6. Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra recently went through a refresh, making it a more desirable find for consumers. When compared to the Volkswagen Jetta, the 2022 Nissan has a similar starting price at $19,510, a comfortable interior with a classic exterior. Both infotainment systems, mileage and cargo space are comparable. However, the Sentra doesn’t have a NHTSA crash test rating, whereas the Volkswagen Jetta has an overall 5 star NHTSA crash test rating. Since these cars are so similar, pay attention to how each responds to you during test drives. Technically, the Jetta has a bit more punch at 158 hp with the Sentra giving you 149 hp.
5. Mazda 3
When comparison shopping for cars similar to the Volkswagen Jetta, one can’t help but notice the Mazda 3. Each of these midsize sedans share several qualities, such as excellent handling, spacious interiors, and trim options that go from basic to up to somewhat opulent. However, each sedan does have benefits above the other. For instance, when it comes to pricing the Volkswagen Jetta does much better. Not only that, but the Jetta is also a more sporty car in terms of options. That being said, if it’s an affordable luxury midsize sedan that you’re looking for, it’s the Mazda 3 without question. The Mazda 3’s interior is far more upscale than the Jetta’s. Other options include the choice of more powerful engines and being available in all wheel drive.
4. Kia Forte
During these trying times of ever escalating) fuel costs, driving a compact sedan helps you get the best gas bang for your buck. With the superb gas mileage both cars get for both city and highway, they’re a great choice for most consumers. Other similarities include affordability, front wheel drive, and a spacious interior that seats 5. The Jetta has the advantage of offering a sporty trim with the Jetta S. Price wise, the 2022 Kia Forte FE 4 door sedan starts at $19,090 while the starting price of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta S 4 door sedan is $20,365. Keyless ignition is standard for this model of Jetta, but not on the basic Forte model. Cargo space is larger on the Kia Forte at 15.3 cu ft, whereas the Jetta comes in at 14.1 cu ft.
3. Hyundai Elantra
There’s no doubt that the 2022 Elantra and Jetta are hot and heavy competitors in the compact market. When it comes to mileage, the Elantra gets 33/city and 43 mpg/highway, while the Jetta gets 31 mpg/city and 41 mpg/highway. For drivers into the latest tech, the Elantra’s Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission bests the Jetta’s 8-peed automatic transmission, and the Elantra’s Drive Mode Select with Normal, Sport and Smart modes may turn some heads. In the end, it’s up to your preferences as both are similar, yet the Elantra might hold the cards when it comes to driver assist technology.
2. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a pretty good match for the Volkswagen Jetta. Both of these cars have been consumer favorites for years. To start off, the price points for each car are similar with the Jetta being $20,365 to $28,095 and the Corolla $20,425 to $28,710. Similarities include: Mileage per gallon, seating capacity, and engines. When it comes down to the Volkswagen Jetta, there’s a slightly more spacious interior whereas the Corolla comes with an option to purchase a hybrid model. Also, the Corolla has a NHTSA safety rating of 5 stars.
1. Honda Civic
Both the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta have much to offer consumers searching for a cost effective, attractive midsize car with a spacious interior. Both cars are well, meaning their resale values don’t depreciate as much as other models. As far as connected services go, both have excellent support. The Jettas come equipped with Car-Net remote services which last for 5 years, and the Civic comes with HondaLink. As for customer maintenance plans, Honda offers customers a prepaid plan while Jetta owners get free scheduled maintenance visits for the first 20,000 miles or first two years. As far as exterior design goes, both the Civic and Jetta are remarkably similar. As for ride quality, Microbiscuit has this to say, “One area the Jetta has Honda beat in is ride quality. Car and Driver were huge fans of it, and we are too. It’s just that little bit nicer than the Civic’s suspension, whether you’re going slow or fast.”
Final Thoughts
The Volkswagen Jetta is a popular choice among those searching for a dependable sedan from a respected manufacturer. In fact, sedans in general are wildly popular with those searching for a family-friendly and reliable form of transport. Most offer good safety and infotainment features as standard, as well as have excellent fuel economy. When it comes right down to it, the final choice is based on your preferences and repeated test drives at dealerships. For instance, if you’d like more luxury features, you’ll have to choose a more expensive sedan such as those manufactured by Audi or Cadillac. After much soul searching and practical research you are bound to find a sedan which will serve your needs for years to come.
