2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale and dramatic appearance compared to its predecessor. It was slightly longer and wider, with a wheelbase that extended a bit more, giving it a more refined presence. The wide, angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, added to its bold look, although some found it a bit excessive for a compact sedan. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, creating a cabin that was both attractive and functional. The interior offered a premium feel with comfortable seating, even in the base S trim, which came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES underwent a transformation to shed its "boring" label, adopting a more aggressive design with a large spindle grille that complemented its larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the side windows, adding to its sleek appearance. The cabin of the ES was a blend of modern technology and organic aesthetics, with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The ES offered trims like the base 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each with varying levels of luxury and performance features. The F Sport trim, in particular, added unique styling elements and performance enhancements, making it a standout choice for those seeking a sportier experience.

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 slightly less horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Jetta to deliver power efficiently across various speeds, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a smooth yet sporty driving experience. The Jetta's ride quality was surprisingly soft over rough roads, and both the manual and automatic transmissions offered impressive fuel efficiency, with 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided confident acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES prioritized comfort and refinement, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections without feeling overly soft. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension, enhancing the driving experience with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes. While not a high-performance vehicle, the ES provided a balanced and enjoyable ride, with the F Sport trim adding a touch of sportiness.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats, even on long trips, with adequate rear-seat space despite a slight reduction in legroom. The trunk space was reduced to 14.1 cubic feet, but it remained average for the class. The cabin layout was practical, with the touchscreen positioned above the climate vents for easier access, and the shifter moved back to allow for a larger center tray. The Jetta's interior design focused on functionality, with a blend of touchscreen functions and physical buttons and dials, making it user-friendly.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could be adjusted to provide generous legroom for rear passengers, and the rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign. The front doors featured deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to transport larger items.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. This allowed drivers to use navigation apps without needing the top-tier SEL Premium trim. The SEL and SEL Premium trims also offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the traditional instrument panel, providing a modern and personalized driving experience.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system operated the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display, though it was not a touchscreen. The ES gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020, enhancing its connectivity options. The infotainment system included real hard buttons for easier navigation, and the ES could be equipped with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display for added convenience and entertainment.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. An automatic post-collision braking system was also standard. Driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 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 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.