Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Impala
Overview | |
Years produced1980-Present | Years produced1958-1985 |
MSRP$22,995 | MSRP$27,060 |
Listings9848 | Listings2947 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 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 SummaryHas the world moved beyond the full-size family sedan? The answer might be yes. Considering that a Chevrolet Impala provides just a few inches of extra space here and a few cubic feet of additional trunk room there, but at a cost in terms of purchase price and fuel economy, it's hard to justify a big car’s existence. Yet, the Impala exists, and within its segment, it is absolutely worthy of consideration. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque186 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower196 hp @ 6300 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway31 |
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 Space18.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3012 lbs | Curb Weight3730 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height58.9 in |
Length186.5 in | Length201.3 in |
Width80.2 in | Width84.2 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase111.7 in |
Maximum Payload893 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1980-Present | 1958-1985 |
MSRP | $22,995 | $27,060 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 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. | Has the world moved beyond the full-size family sedan? The answer might be yes. Considering that a Chevrolet Impala provides just a few inches of extra space here and a few cubic feet of additional trunk room there, but at a cost in terms of purchase price and fuel economy, it's hard to justify a big car’s existence. Yet, the Impala exists, and within its segment, it is absolutely worthy of consideration. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 196 hp @ 6300 rpm | |
MPG City | 29 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 2.5L 196 hp I4 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | |
Horsepower | 196 hp @ 6300 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 18.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3012 lbs | 3730 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.9 in |
Length | 186.5 in | 201.3 in |
Width | 80.2 in | 84.2 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 111.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 893 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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