2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presented a slightly longer and wider profile compared to its predecessor, maintaining the same height but adding about an inch in width. This change, combined with a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, gave the Jetta a more upscale and dramatic presence. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design, creating a cohesive and premium feel. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the base S trim came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Sentra underwent a significant transformation, shedding its dowdy past for a more stylish and upscale look. The new Sentra, especially in Electric Blue paint, resembled a scaled-down Altima, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a poised and memorable shape. The interior also saw a major upgrade, with high-quality materials and a design that rivaled entry-level luxury cars. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather seats and other Infiniti-grade touches, making the Sentra's cabin feel luxurious. Despite some hard plastic elements, the overall fit and finish were impressive, and the Sentra offered a spacious and comfortable interior.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta featured 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 a new 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination allowed the Jetta to handle both city and highway driving with ease, offering smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency of 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined. The steering was well-weighted and precise, providing a blend of smooth and sporty handling, while the ride quality remained soft over rough roads.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, came with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Sentra's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, the CVT mimicked gear changes smoothly, and the Eco and Sport modes adjusted the throttle response accordingly. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, making it feel controlled and comfortable. Fuel economy was also commendable, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined. The steering was quick and responsive, providing a confident driving experience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats, even on long trips, and adequate rear-seat space despite a slight reduction in legroom. Trunk space was 14.1 cubic feet, down from the previous generation but still average for the class. The cabin layout was practical, with the touchscreen positioned above the climate vents and the shifter moved back for easier access. The blend of touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials made the Jetta user-friendly and functional.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra provided a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's raked design limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, slightly less than the previous model but still generous for a compact sedan. The Sentra's interior design focused on ease of use, with knobs for volume and tuning, and a straightforward layout.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims like the SEL and SEL Premium featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable 10.25-inch digital display that could project navigation and other information directly in front of the driver.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, while lacking some advanced features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi as standard on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. The SV Premium Package added features like LED headlights, a Bose stereo, and heated front seats, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta included a full array of front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Driver-assist features 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 Nissan Sentra came with an impressive array of standard safety features, including rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. A driver attention monitor was also standard, providing comprehensive safety coverage.