2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Its Competition

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

The 2020 VW Jetta is among the freshest small sedan choices, but it squares off against some fierce rivals.

The Toyota Corolla is just as new and can be had in a thrifty hybrid form.

Mazda’s 3 boasts class-up styling and appointments, and a price tag that can skyrocket with options.

We’re still smitten with the Honda Civic, even if it’s beginning to show some age.

Don’t leave the related Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte off your list, though.

They’re both refined, well-equipped choices that can be had with a variety of underhood motivation.

2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Get Your Price		2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL IVT Angular Front Exterior View2020 Hyundai Elantra
Get Your Price		2020 Toyota Corolla SE2020 Toyota Corolla
#13 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price		2019 Honda Civic Si2019 Honda Civic
#8 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price		2019 Kia Forte2019 Kia Forte
#21 in Mid-Size Cars
Get Your Price		2019 Mazda 32019 Mazda MAZDA3
#5 in Compact Cars
Get Your Price
Quick Specs
6.0
The docile 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a solid compact sedan choice; for zesty performance, opt into the Jetta GLI.
6.2
It’s still among the more mildly flavored mass-market sedans, but the 2020 Toyota Corolla has dropped the bland from its diet.
6.5
Safety upgrades this year make the 2019 Honda Civic as compelling as ever.
6.0
The 2019 Kia Forte pairs stylish good looks with a lot of features, making it a compact sedan standout.
6.8
The 2019 Mazda 3 keeps the zoom, but all-wheel-drive practicality and a vastly upgraded interior make it much more than that.
MSRP From     
N/A$18,950$19,500$19,450$17,790$21,000
Gas Mileage     
29 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy27 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy
Engine     
N/ARegular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
N/AMid-Size CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsMid-Size CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
N/ASE IVTL CVT (GS)LX CVTFE ManualFWD
Drivetrain     
N/AFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
N/A55555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
N/ASedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
N/ACVT w/ODCVT w/ODCVT w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Hyundai Elantra2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Toyota Corolla2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2019 Honda Civic2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2019 Kia Forte2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2019 Mazda MAZDA3