Ford Fiesta vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fiesta and 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 Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Jetta.

When we compare the Ford Fiesta's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fiesta's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Ford Fiesta.

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Fiesta ranges from $8,991 to $16,993 while a used 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $12,866 to $22,099.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fiesta loses 30.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fiesta retains 5.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Jetta.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.2 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fiesta being ranked 23 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fiesta is 8.0 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 Ford Fiesta.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fiesta’s base engine makes 120 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fiesta. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the Ford Fiesta, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.