Volkswagen Jetta vs. Nissan Versa
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Versa 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 Jetta and the Nissan Versa.
When comparing the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Versa 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 resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Nissan Versa.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $19,997 to $27,587 while a used 2025 Nissan Versa is priced between $16,498 to $22,902. For a new model, the Volkswagen Jetta's price is between $22,865 and $30,186, with the Nissan Versa priced between $19,290 and $23,418.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Versa loses 37.4 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Versa retains 2.8 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 Jetta is 8.0 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 22 out of 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 7.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Versa.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Jetta’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Nissan Versa base engine makes 122 horsepower. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles. The Versa is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 378 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Versa. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Jetta, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Versa, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Jetta and the Nissan Versa have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
19290 - 23418
Starting MSRP:
17190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
24145
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
17190 - 33950
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:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
19544
Price Range:
16498 - 22902
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
29074
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
19544 - 41274
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
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
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
6555
Depreciation %:
0.38131184
Resale Value $:
10635
Residual Value %:
0.61868816
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.40897695
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.38131184 - 0.42209893
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Nissan Versa Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
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
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Versa
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
8.1 - 15.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.025
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6422432019857358
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.6 - 3.8
Volkswagen 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 / 37Nissan Versa Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 37Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 15Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
19 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
26 out of / 37Ranking
28 out of / 37Ranking
29 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Sport
Nissan Versa Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 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:
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
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:
158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
122 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
114 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
292 / 378 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
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
14.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
88.9 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2599 lbs
Width:
68.5 inches
Height:
57.5 inches
Length:
177 inches
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Monterey Blue Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
