2020 Honda Civic vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

2020 Honda Civic
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$20,000

MSRP

$18,995

Average price

$23,659

Average price

$24,079

Listings

401

Listings

250
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Outdated technology

2020 Honda Civic Reviews Summary

Minor design tweaks and more standard safety and convenience features arrive as the standout changes for the Civic's 2020 model year. Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Civic keeps outperforming its small-car peers by offering the performance and quality of more expensive cars, while retaining the value and longevity expected of a Honda. Plus, I had a really fun week with the turbocharged Civic Si.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews Summary

Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience.

But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans.

So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 158 hp I4

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

39
2020 Honda Civic
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Civic
$20,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$20,000
$18,995
Average price
$23,659
$24,079
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.5
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Minor design tweaks and more standard safety and convenience features arrive as the standout changes for the Civic's 2020 model year. Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Civic keeps outperforming its small-car peers by offering the performance and quality of more expensive cars, while retaining the value and longevity expected of a Honda. Plus, I had a really fun week with the turbocharged Civic Si.

Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience.

But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans.

So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 158 hp I4
1.4L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
25
29
MPG Highway
36
39
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