The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has a fun and fuel-efficient new base engine, a new array of electronic active-safety systems, and the capacious interior and trunk it's boasted since 2011.
It's also head and shoulders above other compacts in handling and roadholding.
We haven't driven the all-new Chevrolet Cruze yet, but the last one was good and this one should be even better.
The Ford Focus has a cramped back seat, but it's fun to drive as well, and it's still neck-and-neck with the latest Jetta infotainment systems.
Both the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are appealing and offer good value, but neither is known for handling.
The best on-road driving competitor for the Jetta, in fact, may be the Mazda 3—though its all-but-useless back seat is trounced by the roomy back compartment of the VW.
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 2016 Volkswagen JettaBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta keeps its excellent handling and high safety ratings, but it's starting to show its age in a a few ways. |
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze inches closer to mid-size, while growing lighter, leaner, and more fuel-efficient. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
Not quite a hot hatch, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT gives up some rear-seat space in the name of cargo room and European style. |
There's a lot of curb appeal in the 2016 Kia Forte, although lackluster safety scores and cabin-comfort shortcomings keep it from being another Kia high-achiever. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,680 | $16,120 | $17,225 | $17,250 | $15,990 | $17,845 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Manual 1.4T S | 4-Door Sedan Manual L | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2016 Chevrolet Cruze | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2016 Kia Forte | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
