2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Honda Accord

2019 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda Accord scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2020 Honda Accord for its superior safety features, spacious interior, and advanced technology offerings.

Overview

MSRP

$18,745

MSRP

$24,270

Average price

$15,307

Average price

$22,432

Listings

1205

Listings

1256
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine

2019 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 new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

2020 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

Mary Walton’s “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace” details the development of the 1996 Ford Taurus from sketch to series production. The car was a legendary flop, a collage of compromise. Walton’s book explains why, and in juicy detail.

Bringing a new or redesigned vehicle to market isn’t easy, even if Honda makes it look that way. The 2020 Honda Accord Touring is the family sedan perfected, from its rakish good looks and delightful driving dynamics to its huge back seat and giant trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord also boasts plenty of tech, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control.

Sure, you can quibble with a few things related to the 2020 Accord. After all, no car is perfect. But the Honda Accord Touring sure does come close in so many of the ways that matter most, from usability to mpg.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

40

MPG Highway

38
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,745MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda Accord scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, we recommend choosing the 2020 Honda Accord for its superior safety features, spacious interior, and advanced technology offerings.

Overview
MSRP
$18,745
$24,270
Average price
$15,307
$22,432
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.4
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

8.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
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 new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

Mary Walton’s “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace” details the development of the 1996 Ford Taurus from sketch to series production. The car was a legendary flop, a collage of compromise. Walton’s book explains why, and in juicy detail.

Bringing a new or redesigned vehicle to market isn’t easy, even if Honda makes it look that way. The 2020 Honda Accord Touring is the family sedan perfected, from its rakish good looks and delightful driving dynamics to its huge back seat and giant trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord also boasts plenty of tech, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control.

Sure, you can quibble with a few things related to the 2020 Accord. After all, no car is perfect. But the Honda Accord Touring sure does come close in so many of the ways that matter most, from usability to mpg.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.4L 147 hp I4
1.5L 192 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
30
30
MPG Highway
40
38
Look and feel
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta scores 8 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2020 Honda Accord rates slightly higher at 9 out of 10. The 2019 Jetta boasts a more upscale presence with a longer wheelbase and wider body. On the other hand, the 2020 Honda Accord is hailed as one of the most stylish models in its history. The rounded roof line and 19-inch wheels add to its sleek appearance.
Performance
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2020 Honda Accord
8/10
Both the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and 2020 Honda Accord receive a solid 8 out of 10 from CarGurus experts for performance. The Jetta is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission enhances acceleration and efficiency, providing a smooth driving experience. The steering is precise, and the ride quality is soft yet refined. On the other hand, the Accord offers multiple engine options, including a hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The Accord also provides a quick and responsive driving feel with good fuel economy.
Form and function
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
Cargo capacity is an important aspect to consider in the comparison. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offers 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, while the 2020 Honda Accord impresses with 16.7 cubic feet. The Jetta focuses on practicality with a well-thought-out layout and function, while the Accord provides a spacious interior with comfortable seating and ample storage options.
Technology
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
9/10
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
In terms of technology, both the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and 2020 Honda Accord receive a solid 9 out of 10 rating. The Jetta comes with standard Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL and SEL Premium trims offer Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit for a personalized driving experience. On the other hand, the Accord features an impressive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Touring trim includes HondaLink subscription services, navigation, and wireless device charging.
Safety
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2020 Honda Accord
8/10
The 2020 Honda Accord excels in safety, earning top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. It comes standard with Honda Sensing advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. While the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta also offers a range of safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision avoidance, the Accord’s comprehensive safety suite gives it an edge.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
8/10
2020 Honda Accord
7/10
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.