Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Jetta
When we compare the Volkswagen Golf to the Volkswagen Jetta, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of 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 Volkswagen Golf versus the Volkswagen Jetta, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf.
Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Jetta Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Volkswagen Golf ranges from $17,792 to $25,998 while a used Volkswagen Jetta from the same model year range is priced between $17,500 to $26,999.
Volkswagen Golf versus Volkswagen Jetta Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.7 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 3 out of 12 Best Small Cars for the Money and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 5 out of 12. Out of 51 Best Small Cars, the Volkswagen Golf is ranked 51 and the Volkswagen Jetta is ranked 8.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are compact cars, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room, and trunk space. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Jetta are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$17,792 - $25,998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
40%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$22,174 - $30,002
Used Asking Price:
$17,500 - $26,999
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
43.2%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 51Ranking
5 out of / 51Ranking
5 out of / 51Ranking
13 out of / 51iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 51Ranking
7 out of / 51Ranking
8 out of / 51Ranking
8 out of / 51Summary Review
Not yet available
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
TSI
Trim Levels
S, SE, Sport, SEL
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
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):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular 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
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
17.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
110.9 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:
2945 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2915 lbs
Width:
70.8 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 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum with painted accents
Tire Size:
P205/60R16