Subaru Impreza vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Jetta.

When comparing the Subaru Impreza's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza 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 typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Impreza's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Impreza is a better car than the Volkswagen Jetta.

Pricing: A used 2023 Subaru Impreza ranges from $17,400 to $24,700 while a used 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $17,212 to $23,656.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Impreza loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza is 8.2 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Impreza being ranked 9 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Impreza’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru Impreza. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Impreza and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.