Volkswagen Jetta vs. Volkswagen Passat

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

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $17,995 to $24,992 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $17,888 to $26,226.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Passat.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Jetta’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 568 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Jetta, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.