Volkswagen Jetta vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan.
When comparing the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta 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 fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Jetta's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: A used 2024 Volkswagen Jetta ranges from $21,495 to $29,945 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,946 to $39,417. For a new model, the Volkswagen Jetta's price is between $23,088 and $30,451, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,000 and $40,812.
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 Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 5.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.8 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Jetta is 8.1 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Jetta’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Volkswagen Jetta, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Jetta has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
23088 - 30451
Starting MSRP:
21435
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
26555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
17795 - 45665
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30000 - 40812
Starting MSRP:
28880
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25029
Price Range:
21495 - 29945
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
28855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
19171 - 47673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
908
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
19667
# Good or Great Deals:
275
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33675
Price Range:
28946 - 39417
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29649 - 36546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1447
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15786
# Good or Great Deals:
532
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
7817
Depreciation %:
0.36470547
Resale Value $:
13618
Residual Value %:
0.63529453
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3164027
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.24379468 - 0.4011125
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
12141
Depreciation %:
0.42040682
Resale Value $:
16739
Residual Value %:
0.57959318
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.42031495
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.29061823 - 0.47283242
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.793508 / 10
Reliability:
8.117592 / 10
Retained Value:
8.262933 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.214043 / 10
Reliability:
7.410545 / 10
Retained Value:
7.931585 / 10
Safety:
9.3 / 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:
0.09
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.008
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.955673175488713
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.0 - 18.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.036456157180586
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
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 / 37Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
39 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
SEL, Sport, S, SE
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
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
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):
4.65 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):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 459 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:
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
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
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:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
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:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
94.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.0 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:
3732 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 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:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Rising Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
Gray
Storm Gray
