Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Cruze
Overview | |
Years produced1980-Present | Years produced2011-2019 |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$16,975 |
Listings9848 | Listings4799 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryAt 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. | |
Reviews SummaryAs the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway40 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Horsepower | Horsepower153 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway40 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3012 lbs | Curb Weight2835 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.4 in |
Length186.5 in | Length183.7 in |
Width80.2 in | Width70.5 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase106.3 in |
Maximum Payload893 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1980-Present | 2011-2019 |
MSRP | $22,995 | $16,975 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 6.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | 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. | As the dissonant chords of Dieselgate still resonate throughout the industry, most car companies have abandoned efforts toward any future diesel-powered cars. A $15 billion fine will have that sort of chilling effect. But Chevrolet has taken a different approach, instead seeing the mass retreat from diesel as an opportunity to fill a void. As the driver Jean-Pierre Sarti said in Frankenheimer’s 1966 epic “Grand Prix”: “When I see something really horrible, I put my foot down. Hard! Because I know that everyone else is lifting his.” |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 29 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 40 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 1.4L 153 hp I4 |
Horsepower | 153 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 40 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 14.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3012 lbs | 2835 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.4 in |
Length | 186.5 in | 183.7 in |
Width | 80.2 in | 70.5 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 106.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 893 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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