2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a staple of the Bavarian brand since 1975, continued to impress with its seventh-generation model, which received a mid-cycle refresh. The lineup included the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. The exterior design changes were subtle yet sporty, maintaining the narrow kidney grille and introducing redesigned full-LED headlights with a slimmed-down silhouette. The lower air intakes and flared rear-wheel arches added to its sporty appeal, complemented by standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. The Shadowline trim became standard, with new paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic available. Inside, the 3 Series featured the advanced BMW iDrive 8 system with a 27.2-inch BMW Curved Display, creating a driver-centric cockpit with a minimalist dashboard design.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, available in S, Sport, SE, SEL, and GLI trims, offered a more traditional sedan experience. The Jetta SEL, priced at $29,480 with destination charges, featured a Platinum Gray Metallic exterior and a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior. While the Jetta's design was conservative, it aimed for a timeless appeal. The interior of the SEL trim channeled a touch of luxury with ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and larger screens for digital instrumentation and infotainment. Despite its bland appearance, the Jetta provided a no-nonsense interior that felt upscale for its price range, delivering emotional value under $30,000.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years, offering a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the 330i and 330e, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six for the M340i. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and xDrive all-wheel drive available. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its electric motor, delivered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and offering up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, boasted 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy varied slightly, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the 330e offered 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Jetta offered a six-speed manual transmission for S and Sport trims, while the SE and SEL had an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission provided a Sport mode and manual shifting, though it exhibited a noticeable delay in acceleration. The Jetta SEL achieved an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined, but real-world testing averaged 30 mpg. Despite its modest power, the Jetta SEL delivered a nimble and responsive driving experience, with accurate steering and faithful brakes. The P205/55R17 Nexen Nfera AU7 tires impressed with their grip and communication on the road.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series offered a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was on the stiff side. The 3 Series featured a leather steering wheel, intuitive ergonomics, and a user-friendly iDrive controller knob. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta straddled the compact and midsize sedan segments, accommodating four adults comfortably, with the option for a fifth passenger on short trips. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered generous storage space, with a large glove compartment, sizable door panel storage, and a wireless smartphone charger. The trunk provided 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for longer items. The Jetta's design allowed for easy entry and exit, with large doors and a supportive back seat.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the iDrive 8 system, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system offered intuitive touch functionality, customizable widgets, and voice control through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and over-the-air updates. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included proximity-sensing, knobs for volume and menu functions, and shortcut tiles for main menus. While the infotainment system required more inputs for certain functions, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. The Car-Net connected services provided a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote engine starting, and safety features for five years. The SEL trim included a Beats Audio premium sound system, though it was less satisfying than previous Fender systems.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was unrated. The IIHS had not rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick, missing the "Plus" distinction due to poor headlight ratings. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, and Active Guard. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as the Driving Assistance Package and Driving Assistance Professional Package, offering features like active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with the IQ.Drive package, offering advanced driving assistance systems like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. Emergency Assist could identify an unresponsive driver and safely stop the vehicle. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated the Jetta's safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test and criticized its headlights.