Volkswagen Golf vs. Volkswagen Jetta

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

When we compare the Volkswagen Golf's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Jetta have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the Volkswagen Jetta.

Pricing: A used 2021 Volkswagen Golf ranges from $15,188 to $22,985 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $15,750 to $23,477.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf loses 34.5 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf retains 1.5 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 Volkswagen Golf is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf being ranked 8 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf is 8.2 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Golf a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Jetta makes 147 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. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. 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 cargo 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: 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.