2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Chevrolet Malibu
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
$23,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
$23,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$18,995

MSRP

$23,400

Average price

$24,099

Average price

$25,789

Listings

280

Listings

143
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

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?

2022 Chevrolet Malibu Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 160 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

36
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
$23,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Chevrolet Malibu
$23,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$18,995
$23,400
Average price
$24,099
$25,789
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.6
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
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?

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.4L 147 hp I4
1.5L 160 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
160 hp @ 5700 rpm
MPG City
29
29
MPG Highway
39
36
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.