Ford Focus vs. Volkswagen Jetta
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Focus 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 Focus and the Volkswagen Jetta.
In comparing the Ford Focus's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Ford Focus has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Ford Focus's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Focus ranges from $7,995 to $16,818 while a used 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $9,987 to $18,993.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Focus’s base engine makes 160 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 150 horsepower. The Focus is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 580 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Focus. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Focus has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Jetta has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$17,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,571
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,395 - $39,785
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$18,645
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,571
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,395 - $39,785
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$12,435
Price Range:
$7,995 - $16,818
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$17,195
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$9,985 - $30,573
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
450
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
76,514
# Good or Great Deals:
173
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$14,680
Price Range:
$9,987 - $18,993
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$17,195
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$9,985 - $30,573
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
97
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
89,165
# Good or Great Deals:
25
Ford Focus Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Focus
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.1 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
5.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
3.1 - 8.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 16.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.5 - 16.6
Ford Focus Rankings
Not yet available
Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Ranking
34 out of / 43Ranking
37 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Focus Trim Levels
Not yet available
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
1.4T S, 1.4T SE, 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition, 1.8T SE Sport, 1.8T SEL, 2.0T GLI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 72000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 4450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
310 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 40 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 580 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
15.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2928 lbs
Width:
80.5 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2930 lbs
Width:
70 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
183.4 inches
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 5.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Gray
Magnetic
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Uni
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
White Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Red
Cardinal Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Charcoal Black
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black/Palladium Gray
