2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 Nissan Versa
Overview | |
MSRP$18,745 | MSRP$14,830 |
Listings1090 | Listings303 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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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 Nissan Versa Reviews SummaryWhen you're on a tight budget and need to replace a car, you often face a tough choice: Do you buy a new small car or something that’s pre-owned but has more space? For many years, if you were in the market for a new car, few came as cheaply as the Nissan Versa. Not only was it marketed as the least-expensive car in the United States, but it also had a plucky, underdog appeal to it. However, the charm of the Versa started to wear off as its shortcomings became more apparent. If you look at the “cheap” end of the market, you'll find some pretty unlovable cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark. But there are also some bright spots. The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are both competent cars in their own ways, and the Honda Fit has always been a serious player. With the Fit, you never felt like you were seriously compromising to meet your budget. It seems as though Nissan has caught on to the realization that racing to the bottom works for only so long. Buyers have certainly caught on to the notion that you can have a small car that’s actually kind of good (See: Fit). In response, Nissan has rolled out the all-new 2020 Versa. It’s no longer the cheapest car in America, and in fact, it costs a couple of thousand dollars more than last year's version. But does that mean it’s more car, too? Read on to find out. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway35 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway35 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space14.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight2959 lbs | Curb Weight2650 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height57.3 in |
Length185.1 in | Length177.0 in |
Width70.8 in | Width68.5 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase103.1 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload955 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,745 | $14,830 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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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? | When you're on a tight budget and need to replace a car, you often face a tough choice: Do you buy a new small car or something that’s pre-owned but has more space? For many years, if you were in the market for a new car, few came as cheaply as the Nissan Versa. Not only was it marketed as the least-expensive car in the United States, but it also had a plucky, underdog appeal to it. However, the charm of the Versa started to wear off as its shortcomings became more apparent. If you look at the “cheap” end of the market, you'll find some pretty unlovable cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark. But there are also some bright spots. The Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent are both competent cars in their own ways, and the Honda Fit has always been a serious player. With the Fit, you never felt like you were seriously compromising to meet your budget. It seems as though Nissan has caught on to the realization that racing to the bottom works for only so long. Buyers have certainly caught on to the notion that you can have a small car that’s actually kind of good (See: Fit). In response, Nissan has rolled out the all-new 2020 Versa. It’s no longer the cheapest car in America, and in fact, it costs a couple of thousand dollars more than last year's version. But does that mean it’s more car, too? Read on to find out. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City | 30 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 35 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 1.6L 122 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 122 hp @ 6300 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 35 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2959 lbs | 2650 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 57.3 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 177.0 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 68.5 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 103.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | 955 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its slightly longer and wider dimensions compared to the previous model. The new design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, giving it a dramatic look. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design, offering a spacious and attractive environment with comfortable seats suitable for long drives. The base S trim came well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like leatherette seating, a panoramic moonroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling for a more handsome look, taking cues from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The cabin, similar to the Nissan Kicks, offered plenty of interior space for a subcompact sedan. The test model featured a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors, adding a touch of stylistic flair. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base S trim included 15-inch steel wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen, and push-button start. The mid-range SV trim added 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth fabric, and an enhanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier SR trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and automatic climate control.
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 both city and highway driving well, with smooth and sporty steering and minimal body roll. The ride quality was refined yet soft, and both the manual and automatic transmissions returned 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.
The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, now making 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for livelier performance. The Versa's steering was responsive, and the car handled turns with precision. Fuel economy for the manual transmission was 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the CVT achieved 32/40/35. In real-world driving, the Versa averaged 34.7 mpg.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's front seats were comfortable for long trips, and despite a slight reduction in legroom, both front and rear seats offered adequate space. Trunk space decreased from 15.7 to 14.1 cubic feet but remained 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 Jetta blended touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, emphasizing practicality.
The 2020 Nissan Versa retained the previous model's 15-cubic-foot trunk, one of the largest in the class, with a large opening for easy access. However, rear legroom decreased by 6 inches, making it less suitable for carpooling or ridesharing. The front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The Versa's cabin was straightforward but featured a two-tone theme and unique seat designs, adding a touch of flair.
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.
The 2020 Nissan Versa also stepped up its game with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV also had an upgraded instrument panel with a digital screen displaying safety alerts, Bluetooth streaming audio, and fuel-economy stats.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. 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 Nissan Versa came with a host of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Versa scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is the recommended choice for its superior performance, upscale interior, and advanced technology features.
Choose the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta if:
- You want a more powerful engine with better fuel economy.
- You prefer a more upscale and spacious interior.
- You value advanced technology features like Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Versa if:
- You need a subcompact sedan with a large trunk.
- You want standard driver-assistance features across all trims.
- You prefer a more affordable option with decent fuel economy.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Versa scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is the recommended choice for its superior performance, upscale interior, and advanced technology features.
Choose the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta if:
Shop Now- You want a more powerful engine with better fuel economy.
- You prefer a more upscale and spacious interior.
- You value advanced technology features like Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit.
Choose the 2020 Nissan Versa if:
Shop Now- You need a subcompact sedan with a large trunk.
- You want standard driver-assistance features across all trims.
- You prefer a more affordable option with decent fuel economy.
By: CarGurus + AI
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