The Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta are classic compact sedans known for their slick designs and efficient rides. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your daily commute or just want something you can enjoy driving around Miami, Doral, or Hialeah, FL, either can get the job done.
Which of these sedans truly reigns supreme, though? To help you decide which of these industry staples best fits your lifestyle, our team at Braman Honda has compiled this 2021 Honda Civic vs. Volkswagen Jetta comparison.
2021 Honda Civic vs VW Jetta Quick Facts |
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Feature |
Honda Civic |
Volkswagen Jetta |
Standard Engine |
2.0L 4-cylinder |
1.4L 4-cylinder |
Standard Horsepower |
158 |
147 |
Standard Cargo Space |
15.1 cubic feet |
14.1 cubic feet |
Standard Legroom (Front/Rear) |
42.3/37.4 inches |
41.1/37.4 inches |
Maximum Fuel Economy |
EPA-estimated 32 city/42 highway MPG (EX and EX-L trims)* |
EPA-estimated 30 city/41 highway MPG |
Whether you elect for the 2021 Civic or Jetta, you’ll have a choice of five trim levels, each offering several more upgrades than the last. While this might just mean some different interior amenities, it can also showcase key differences in more crucial areas.
One of those key areas, for example, would be the performance of the 2021 Honda Civic and—more specifically—its engine. With the LX and Sport trims, the Civic boasts a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine capable of 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, on the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, you’ll find a turbocharged engine under the hood that is capable of churning out 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Unfortunately, you won’t find that kind of variety or power with the turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine of the VW Jetta. Since that’s the only engine choice you have, you’ll have to settle for the power that comes with it—in this case, just 147 horsepower.
The variety across the Civic trim levels continues when you look to its fuel-efficiency, as well. While the Jetta fuel economy is stagnant at an EPA-estimated 30 city/41 highway MPG, there are some chances to improve your efficiency in the Civic. If you elect for the EX or EX-L trims, you also opt for the vehicle’s maximum efficiency: an EPA-estimated 32 city/42 highway MPG.*
Performance isn’t the only area in which the Civic outshines the Jetta. Inside, the two vehicles offer comfortable interiors, showcasing spacious designs and plenty of convenient features.
The two compact cars also share a number of available interior features, like heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Once you look to their dimensions, however, you start to see where the Civic pulls ahead…
Measurement
|
Honda Civic |
Volkswagen Jetta |
Headroom (Front/Rear) |
39.3/37.1 inches |
38.5/37.2 inches |
Legroom (Front/Rear) |
42.3/37.4 inches |
41.1/37.4 inches |
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) |
57/55 inches |
55.9/54 inches |
As you can see, you’ll enjoy a bit more personal space in the Civic, whether you’re riding in the front or back row.
You’ll even notice the extra space if you’re traveling with something other than passengers. With 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space—in comparison to the 14.1 cubic feet in the Jetta—the Civic allows the space to fit a few extra bags for your weekend getaway.
The interiors of the 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Volkswagen Jetta come loaded with technology powering their standard infotainment and safety features.
Throughout your journeys ahead, you’ll need a way to keep everyone entertained. In either the Civic or Jetta, that won’t be a problem with shared features like:
Alongside their impressive infotainment systems, the Civic and Jetta provide extensive suites of intelligent safety technology to give you peace of mind behind the wheel.
Thanks to the Honda Sensing® driver-assistive technology, you’ll see plenty of intuitive features in the Civic, like a Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning.
The Jetta offers its own driver-assistance technology, but it doesn’t quite stack up to that of the Civic. When it comes to standard safety, the Jetta’s only chance to compete is with features you’ll also find in the Civic, such as a rearview camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
For a compact ride that can improve your rides around Miami, Doral, and Hialeah, Florida, both the 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Volkswagen Jetta can provide everything you need. However, if you value that extra power, efficiency, space, and technology, the Civic is the right choice for you.
Contact or visit us at Braman Honda to schedule a test drive of the 2021 Civic today!
*30 city/38 highway/33 combined MPG rating for LX and Touring trims. 29 city/37 highway/32 combined MPG rating for Sport trim. 32 city/42 highway/36 combined MPG rating for EX and EX-L trims. Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your milage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.