Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Malibu
Overview | |
Years produced1980-Present | Years produced1964-1965 |
MSRP$22,495 | MSRP$21,680 |
Average price$14,720 | Average price$16,573 |
Listings9367 | Listings9125 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
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 SummaryRodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 158 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower160 hp @ 5700 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway36 |
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 Space15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3012 lbs | Curb Weight3086 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.6 in |
Length186.5 in | Length193.8 in |
Width80.2 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase111.4 in |
Maximum Payload893 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1980-Present | 1964-1965 |
MSRP | $22,495 | $21,680 |
Average price | $14,720 | $16,573 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
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. | Rodney Dangerfield was a legendary stand-up comedian, and while his on-stage shtick was all about how he didn’t get any respect, as a comedic talent he was held in the highest esteem. That’s not the case for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The oft-maligned Malibu literally gets no respect, which is too bad because with its most recent redesign for the 2016 model year, the car absolutely deserves it. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm | |
MPG City | 29 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 158 hp I4 | 1.5L 160 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5700 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 15.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3012 lbs | 3086 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.6 in |
Length | 186.5 in | 193.8 in |
Width | 80.2 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 111.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 893 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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