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.
In 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 2024 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $21,495 to $29,945 while a used 2024 Nissan Versa is priced between $17,762 to $22,970. For a new model, the Volkswagen Jetta's price is between $23,088 and $30,451, with the Nissan Versa priced between $18,070 and $22,500.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value and the Nissan Versa loses 30.9 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Versa retains 5.1 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 8.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 16 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.1 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.7 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 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 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, the Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Versa, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.77 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$18,070 - $22,500
Starting MSRP:
$16,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$25,089
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$16,390 - $35,700
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:
1,795
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
2,162
# Good or Great Deals:
137
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,333
Price Range:
$17,762 - $22,970
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$29,562
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$18,098 - $38,830
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,197
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
318
# Good or Great Deals:
65
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$5,255
Depreciation %:
32.1%
Resale Value $:
$11,135
Residual Value %:
67.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact Cars)
36%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
32.1% - 39.4%
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Versa Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Versa
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
2.2%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.8 - 3.3
Volkswagen 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 / 43Nissan Versa Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 43Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
16 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
SEL, Sport, S, SE
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.77 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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):
0.055 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:
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
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
Wifi:
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
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:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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:
2895 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:
57.3 inches
Length:
177 inches
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 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
Rising Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Electric Blue Metallic
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