2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2020 Honda Civic

The 2020 Honda Civic is a perennial front-runner in the compact sedan segment, but sometimes popularity is down more to time on the field than actual superiority. Take a quick look at the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, for example, and you’ll quickly see the vaunted 2020 Honda Civic providing fewer features while asking for more money and falling short when it comes to fuel efficiency. Compare the Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Civic below for the complete picture.

Jetta vs. Civic: Price Points

You’d expect the new VW Jetta and 2020 Honda Civic to run roughly neck-and-neck in terms of pricing, but there’s actually a difference of over $1,000:

• 2019 Volkswagen Jetta S: Starting at $18,745 MSRP*.
• 2020 Honda Civic LX: Starting at $20,650 MSRP.

Paying more might be fair when you’re getting more in return, but the Honda Civic doesn’t seem to play that way. Willing to upgrade? Compare the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs. Passat.

Jetta vs. Civic: Engines & Fuel Economy

Ultimately, any daily driver needs to be able to provide satisfying performance and above-average fuel economy. Comparing the Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Civic on the specs most important to our neighbors, the Jetta Sedan’s advantages are plain to see:

• Engine Output: The VW Jetta and Honda Civic come with a 147-hp 1.4L inline-4 and 158-hp 2.0L inline-4, respectively. The Civic has a relatively small advantage that you may not even notice behind the wheel.
• Transmission: The Jetta offers a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The Civic offers Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual.
• Fuel Economy: The VW Jetta S earns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway rating vs. 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway with the Honda Civic LX. Comparing the long-term fuel costs of the VW Jetta vs. Honda Civic, you might be surprised at the difference that two extra miles per gallon can make.

Jetta vs. Civic: Feature Highlights

The VW Jetta and Honda Civic share plenty of features, including a rearview camera, cruise control, and multi-function steering wheel. That said, only the Jetta provides the following amenities as standard:

• 6.5-Inch Color Display: The Jetta sedan’s clear view of menus, contacts, and more makes the Civic’s 5-inch display feel tiny and outdated. What’s more, the standard Jetta display uses a touchscreen for added convenience. You’ll need to pay extra to get a similar feature in the Civic.
• LED Headlights: Although both models offer LED Daytime Running Lights as standard, only one model provides genuine LED headlights in the base trim. You guessed it: the Jetta provides more efficient illumination on Scottsdale roads after the sun has set.
• Volkswagen Digital Cockpit™: Only the Volkswagen Jetta offers a high-resolution digital cockpit measuring more than 10 inches from corner to corner. This customizable driver-focused display complements the infotainment touchscreen, and replaces the traditional gauge cluster.

Better yet, even the VW Jetta base model offers an optional Blind Spot Monitor for safer lane changes between Cave Creek and Paradise Valley. The 2020 Honda Civic Sedan doesn’t offer a blind spot monitor, no matter which trim you decide to purchase. Although it does offer Honda LaneWatch in the mid-range EX trim level, most drivers comparing the Jetta vs. Civic agree that a blind spot monitor is easier to use.

Experience the VW Jetta at Volkswagen North Scottsdale!

Any Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Civic comparison is going to see the VW pull ahead, thanks to its fantastic starting price, strong highway mpg rating, and generous feature list. To talk through anything from color options, to Jetta rims, to trim levels, feel free to contact our Phoenix showroom today.

If you’re looking at other VW models, you’ll want to compare the Volkswagen Jetta vs. Passat! Interested in learning more about Volkswagen vs. Honda? Compare the Volkswagen Atlas to the Pilot!

*Ask your dealer if this vehicle meets the emissions requirements of the state in which you are registering the vehicle. Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Some items may be unavailable when vehicle is built. Ask your dealer about availability of options and verify that the vehicle includes the equipment you ordered.