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.
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 2020 Volkswagen JettaBrowse Used Listings |  2020 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2020 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2020 Kia ForteBrowse Used Listings |  2020 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2020 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The docile 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a solid compact sedan choice; for zesty performance, opt into the Jetta GLI. |
The 2020 Honda Civic sets the pace among affordable compact cars. |
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a well-equipped value. |
The 2020 Kia Forte has the style and now the GT power to slot into any compact-car shopping list. |
The Mazda 3 punches above its weight class with an upmarket interior, good handling, and optional all-wheel drive. |
It’s still among the more mildly flavored mass-market sedans, but the 2020 Toyota Corolla has dropped the bland from its diet. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,895 | $20,000 | $19,300 | $17,890 | $21,500 | $19,600 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 25 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| S Manual w/SULEV | LX Manual | SE IVT | FE Manual | FWD | L CVT (GS) |
| 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 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Honda Civic | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Hyundai Elantra | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Kia Forte | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Toyota Corolla | |
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