If you are looking for a Volkswagen sedan, you are likely choosing between the Jetta and the Passat, the automaker’s best-selling cars. The Volkswagen Jetta has been around since 1979 and the Passat since 1972. They both remain two of the most driven vehicles on the road worldwide.
There are so many commonalities between the two vehicles that it can be difficult to know which one is better. The answer is it depends on your unique driving and travel needs.
Making this determination warrants a meticulous breakdown of the advantage of each car. Keep reading to find out more about both sedans and the distinctions between them. The information will help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.
Size And Space
One of the biggest differences between the two vehicles is size. The Jetta is a “compact” while the Passat is a midsize sedan. At 194 inches the Passat is almost a foot longer than the Jetta, which is about 185 total inches.
When you look at headroom and legroom, the differences may be negligible. But the Passat edges out the Jetta on overall passenger and cargo volume. Its trunk space is just under 16 cubic feet, whereas the Jetta’s is about 14.
Reliability, Engine, And Fuel Efficiency
Both Passat and Jetta reliability are unsurpassed. Last year, the Passat won Kelly Bluebook’s Five Year Cost-to-Own Award, and the Jetta has won U.S. News and World Reports’ Best New Car for Teens Award.
Both cars come with 4-cylinder turbo engines. The Passat’s is a little larger, with an output of 174 horsepower, versus the Volkswagen Jetta engine that yields 147 horsepower.
As you may have guessed, the tradeoff here is in fuel economy. You can expect the Passat to get in the range of 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 on the highway. The Jetta will be upwards of 29 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.
If you are looking for the more compact Jetta size but with more power, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be a good option. It packs in 228 horsepower and comes with extra safety features.
Features And Pricepoint
Both the Volkswagen Passat and Jetta are very affordable and, by all accounts, a great deal in terms of features. The Passat is priced than the Jetta, which is no surprise since you are getting more car.
In general, the base-level Jetta is one of the best deals you can find, when you take into account reliability. Even entry trim levels come with smartphone connectivity, color touchscreens, USB ports, and Volkswagen’s remote access system.
It’s worth noting that the entry-level Passat comes with a few more features. It has all those of the base-level Jetta, as well as adaptive cruise control, pedestrian monitoring, and a leather steering wheel, to name a few.
Learn More About The Volkswagen Jetta And Passat
Now that you understand the differences between the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat, you can determine which one is right for you. If you want to learn more about the features of each vehicle, we can tell you everything you need to know as you compare sedans.
Since 1985, Terry Volkswagen has worked hard to build trust with our customers and the community. We are a locally-owned dealership that will do everything possible to find the right care for you based on your driving needs and budget. Reach out to us today to learn more about our extensive lineup or to schedule a visit to our showroom.
