2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Lexus ES
Overview | |
MSRP$18,745 | MSRP$39,900 |
Average price$15,842 | Average price$31,242 |
Listings1148 | Listings267 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2019 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews SummarySmall 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 Lexus ES Reviews SummarySUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight2959 lbs | Curb Weight3649 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height56.9 in |
Length185.1 in | Length195.9 in |
Width70.8 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,745 | $39,900 |
Average price | $15,842 | $31,242 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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? | SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 30 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2959 lbs | 3649 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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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.