Subaru WRX vs. Volkswagen Jetta
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru WRX 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 WRX and the Volkswagen Jetta.
When we compare the Subaru WRX's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Subaru WRX's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Subaru WRX.
Pricing: For a new model, the Subaru WRX's price is between $33,493 and $44,163, with the Volkswagen Jetta priced between $23,088 and $30,451.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru WRX loses 31.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 4.9 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 WRX is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Subaru WRX being ranked 18 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru WRX is 7.0 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta an advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru WRX.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru WRX’s base engine makes 271 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 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 WRX. The WRX uses premium unleaded, and the Jetta uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Subaru WRX 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 head room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,493 - $44,163
Starting MSRP:
$32,735
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$23,088 - $30,451
Starting MSRP:
$21,435
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
127
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,818
# Good or Great Deals:
8
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,029
Price Range:
$21,495 - $29,945
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
788
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,444
# Good or Great Deals:
72
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,519
Depreciation %:
32.1%
Resale Value $:
$22,216
Residual Value %:
67.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$7,817
Depreciation %:
36.5%
Resale Value $:
$13,618
Residual Value %:
63.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
31.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
24.4% - 40.1%
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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 Subaru WRX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 24Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
31 out of / 43Volkswagen 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
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, GT, Limited, Premium, TR
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
SEL, Sport, S, SE
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:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 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:
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 42 / 34
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 554 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.9 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:
3329 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
183.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2895 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:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
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 Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl / WR Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Orange
Solar Orange Pearl
Red
Ignition Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Ceramic White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Rising Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Black with Red Stitching
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
