2025 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Toyota Prius

If the disparity between your income and the cost of living is getting you down, but you need a new set of wheels, consider the 2024 Prius. The Prius recently won the 2024 World Car Design of the Year, carries up to five people, and holds up to 23.8 cubic feet of cargo behind its back seat. All-wheel drive (AWD) and a plug-in hybrid powertrain are available, and the Prius gets up to 57 mpg in combined driving. Prices start at less than $30,000.

Verdict: The 2024 Toyota Prius is the right car for lots of people. Blending intriguing design with comfortable front seats and a practical interior at an appealing price, the Prius is perfect for daily driving and will save you plenty of money at the gas pump.

At a base price under $23,500, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta offers plenty of passenger space, a large trunk, and a fuel-efficient engine with plenty of zip. This year, Volkswagen tweaks this compact sedan’s styling, improves the interior, upgrades the handling, and adds more standard technology. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the affordable Sport trim and the continued existence of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which still offers a manual transmission. This review is based on our experience with the Jetta SEL, which looks and feels more upscale than its price.

Verdict: While the changes to the 2025 VW Jetta are appealing, some are missteps, such as the touch-sensing climate control system interface. Also, the Jetta isn’t a leader in its segment regarding safety ratings. Nevertheless, its sensible German design and engineering shine through, giving it a distinctive driving experience unlike other compact cars.