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
2020 Honda Civic2020 Honda Civic
2020 Hyundai Elantra2020 Hyundai Elantra
2020 Kia Forte GT2020 Kia Forte
2020 Mazda MAZDA32020 Mazda MAZDA3
2020 Toyota Corolla Nightshade Edition2020 Toyota Corolla
Quick Specs
5.8
The docile 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a solid compact sedan choice; for zesty performance, opt into the Jetta GLI.
6.7
The 2020 Honda Civic sets the pace among affordable compact cars.
5.8
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a well-equipped value.
6.0
The 2020 Kia Forte has the style and now the GT power to slot into any compact-car shopping list.
6.7
The Mazda 3 punches above its weight class with an upmarket interior, good handling, and optional all-wheel drive.
6.7
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 Hwy22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Compact CarsMidsize CarsMidsize CarsMidsize CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
S Manual w/SULEVLX ManualSE IVTFE ManualFWDL CVT (GS)
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
Manual w/ODManual w/ODCVT w/ODManual w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Honda Civic2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Hyundai Elantra2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Kia Forte2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Mazda MAZDA32020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Toyota Corolla