Honda Civic vs. Volkswagen Jetta
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta.
In comparing the Honda Civic's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Honda Civic's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Honda Civic is a better car than the Volkswagen Jetta.
Pricing: A used 2026 Honda Civic ranges from $23,820 to $32,785 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $19,997 to $27,587. For a new model, the Honda Civic's price is between $25,743 and $32,395, with the Volkswagen Jetta priced between $22,865 and $30,186.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Honda Civic loses 27.9 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value. This means the Honda Civic retains 12.3 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 Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 2 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Civic’s base engine makes 150 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Honda Civic 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 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the area of rear head room. The Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
25743 - 32395
Starting MSRP:
24595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
25166
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
22725 - 27795
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
22865 - 30186
Starting MSRP:
22995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
27845
Price Range:
23820 - 32785
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
27845
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
27845 - 27845
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
23083
Price Range:
19997 - 27587
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
6983
Depreciation %:
0.28391798
Resale Value $:
17612
Residual Value %:
0.71608202
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.30390054
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.28391798 - 0.41895823
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9380
Depreciation %:
0.40791786
Resale Value $:
13615
Residual Value %:
0.59208214
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
9.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Honda Civic
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
11.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.334
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.067
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0292701540362343
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 37Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 37Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
150 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
133 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
371 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
14.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
113.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
14.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2875 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
107.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3012 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
186.5 inches
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Blue Lagoon Pearl
Gray
Meteorite Gray Metallic
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Solar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Monterey Blue Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
