2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2020 BMW 3 Series exuded a sense of elegance and power reminiscent of majestic marine life. Its design elements, such as the lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille, gave it an aquatic appearance that was both striking and unique. Despite its high price point, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort and luxury, making it a desirable choice for those who could afford it.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more dramatic and upscale design compared to its predecessor. With a longer wheelbase and wider stance, it aimed to offer a more premium feel. The angular grille and interior design language added to its modern appeal. The Jetta's cabin was spacious and functional, with a focus on practicality and comfort. Despite some criticisms of the grille's boldness, the Jetta's overall design was well-received for its blend of style and functionality.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series was praised for its significant improvements in driving dynamics. With structural and suspension enhancements, it returned to its sporty handling roots. The M340i trim featured a powerful 3.0-litre turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The car's rear-biased xDrive AWD system, M Sport differential, and M Sport brakes contributed to its thrilling performance. Although the standard 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the manual option, it offered quick acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, equipped with a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivered 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta's performance was well-balanced, handling both city and highway driving with ease. Its steering was smooth and precise, offering a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. The Jetta also boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with minimal differences between manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered supportive front seats that were both comfortable and accommodating for long drives. The interior featured high-quality leather, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel, although ventilated seats were not available. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed exceptional comfort. The trunk provided 479 litres of space, though its narrow design limited its practicality for larger items. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a well-integrated widescreen display and advanced voice recognition.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's interior was designed with practicality in mind. The front seats were comfortable for long trips, and the rear offered adequate legroom and headroom. The trunk provided 399 litres of space, which was average for its class. The layout of controls was intuitive, with a blend of touchscreen functions and physical buttons for ease of use. The Jetta's design prioritized functionality, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured an advanced iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen display, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, offering multiple ways to interact with it. The "Hey, BMW" voice recognition was particularly impressive, allowing for natural commands. The head-up display was a notable feature, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, offering Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the traditional instrument panel. This feature allowed drivers to personalize the information displayed, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series offered an Advanced Driver Assistance package with various safety features. However, the lane-keeping assist system was noted for its abruptness, encouraging drivers to remain engaged. The 3 Series received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline offered additional driver-assistance features. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS due to its headlights.