2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2019 BMW 3 Series

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta had a slightly longer and wider body compared to its predecessor, giving it a more upscale presence. The new design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, which added a dramatic flair to its appearance. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design, creating a cohesive and upscale feel. The interior was spacious and functional, with comfortable seats suitable for long drives. The base S trim came well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series maintained its evolutionary design, with subtle changes that kept it recognizable as a BMW. The new model was slightly longer and wider, with a low hood, short overhangs, and a ground-hugging stance. The front featured hard-edged half-circle LED running lamps and widened kidney grilles. Inside, the 3 Series retained its driver-focused layout, with a digital instrument panel and a touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were firm yet supportive, and the overall fit and finish were top-class, despite some coarse materials on the door toppers and dash.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than the previous model, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta handled well at both low and high speeds, with smooth and sporty steering. It offered a refined yet soft ride, with fuel economy rated at 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine was smooth and powerful, with some turbo lag at low speeds. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided perfect shifts and intuitive programming. The M Sport package added a lower and firmer suspension, variable-ratio steering, and a widened body kit, enhancing the car's handling. Fuel economy for the 330i xDrive was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's front seats were comfortable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat space despite a slight reduction in legroom. Trunk space was 14.1 cubic feet, down from the previous 15.7 cubic feet but still average for the class. The cabin layout was practical, with the touchscreen moved above the front climate vents and the shifter repositioned to create more space in the center tray. The blend of touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials made the Jetta highly functional.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered a roomier backseat and a 17-cubic-foot trunk, providing ample space for luggage. Visibility was good, and the seats were supportive over long trips. The infotainment system, head-up display, and instrument clusters were intuitive and easy to operate. The main screen was a touchscreen with customizable menu tiles, and the climate controls included a third zone for rear passengers. USB-C ports were also available.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The SEL and SEL Premium trims included Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-color digital display that could be personalized to show various information, including navigation.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series offered extensive technology, but many features required subscription fees. The iDrive system was superb, with customizable main menu tiles and over-the-air updates. The navigation system could learn driving patterns and adjust for traffic. Gesture control and a personal assistant were available, though not always reliable. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included advanced features like automatic steering around curves and infrared cameras to monitor driver attention.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision avoidance were standard on higher trims and optional on the base S. The SEL and SEL Premium trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and high marks for its optional laser headlights and standard forward emergency braking. Pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Assist were available.