2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Nissan Sentra and 2021 Volkswagen Jetta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Nissan Sentra and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.

In comparing the 2021 Nissan Sentra's and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Nissan Sentra's and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Sentra.

Pricing: A used 2021 Nissan Sentra ranges from $15,900 to $22,993 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $15,750 to $23,477.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Nissan Sentra.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Sentra is 8.4 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Sentra is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Nissan Sentra’s base engine makes 149 horsepower, and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. This gives the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Nissan Sentra. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the area of rear head room. The 2021 Nissan Sentra and 2021 Volkswagen Jetta are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.