2021 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta and VW Passat have been competing against each other for decades for buyers who are in the market for family sedans. So it’s understandable if you’re finding it difficult to choose which one to put in your garage. Let’s compare some of their features to see whether the 2021 Passat or Jetta is right for you and your family’s lifestyle.

Images via VW.com

Interior Space

These two sedans have a lot in common, but interior space is one area where they differ. If you’re looking for plenty of cargo space and extra room for rear-row passengers, you’ll probably prefer the Passat. The 2021 Passat has over 39 inches of legroom in the second row and over 42 inches up front. That compares with 41 inches up front in the Jetta and 37.4 inches for passengers in the rear row. The Jetta can comfortably sit adult passengers in the back row, which is impressive for a compact sedan.

The Passat has the edge when it comes to cargo storage. With 15.9 cubic feet behind the rear row of seating, it offers more room for your groceries or vacation luggage than the Jetta with its 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space. That said, don’t forget that the Jetta has a 60/40-split folding rear seat, which enables it to carry larger loads when required.

Both vehicles are well-suited for families with young children. The Jetta possesses two full sets of LATCH connectors on its rear outer seats for installing child seats, as well as an anchor tether for the middle seat. The Passat’s rear seats are equipped in the same way.

Fuel Economy

If you do a lot of commuting or want to save a bit on gas costs, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta may be your best choice. Its fuel economy numbers are impressive, reaching 40 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city in its base trim. The Passat’s numbers aren’t bad either, at 36 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.

Engine Performance

With its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Passat has plenty of power under the hood for a midsize sedan. Its V-4 is good for 174 horsepower and will move you from zero to 60 in less than 8 seconds. The Jetta’s 1.4-liter engine generates 147 horsepower, which is still more than adequate for most daily driving needs. But if a little extra speed is what you’re looking for, the Passat probably gets your vote. Its six-speed automatic transmission also enables you to switch to Sport Mode for a touch more action behind the wheel.

All Passat trims operate with the same six-speed automatic transmission, while you can choose between a manual and automatic transmission in the Jetta. The performance-oriented Jetta GLI, which has a higher price tag, also gives you the option of a seven-speed manual transmission.

Advanced Safety Features

Both the Jetta and Passat offer you a wide array of safety features for your peace of mind. These include automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist. The only difference between the two sedans in terms of safety is that the driver assistance features come standard with the Passat, while you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim in the Jetta to access them.

The strong suite of safety features available with both sedans is reflected in their strong performance in safety testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Passat top marks in all six of its crash tests. Meanwhile, the Jetta received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating of five stars.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Both vehicles have strong infotainment options, whether you’re looking to listen to your favorite music through a high-quality stereo or connect your phone using Bluetooth. The 2021 Jetta is equipped with a Discover Media 6.5-inch touch screen, with the option of upgrading to an 8-inch screen, and a BeatsAudio sound system. The Passat gets a 6.3-inch touch screen and Fender Premium Audio system. Both cars feature a wireless hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard.

Price

For a budget-conscious buyer, the Jetta is more affordable than the Passat. The Jetta is among the most competitively priced vehicles in the compact sedan market, with a starting price of $18,995. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re buying your first car.

The Passat’s starting retail price is also competitive at $23,955. In addition to the extra space and engine power in the Passat, the Passat’s higher price tag gets you standard safety features.

Trims Provide Higher Performance and Comfort

Both the Jetta and Passat are available in a variety of trims that cater to your desire for more interior comfort or power under the hood. The Jetta has five trims: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. The SE trim gets you heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery, while the SEL trim is the one to go for to get your hands on added infotainment features such as wireless device charging. Performance lovers will like the Jetta GLI, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for faster acceleration on the highway.

The Passat has three trims to choose from S, SE, and R-Line. The base S trim comes equipped with cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED headlights. The SE trim adds synthetic leather seat coverings, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a push-button start. The top R-Line trim adds design features, including ambient lighting, for a luxurious addition to your ride.

Finding the Perfect VW Sedan

Whether you’re more attracted to the 2021 Volkswagen Passat’s extra power and cargo space or the Jetta’s fuel efficiency and competitive price, we’re here to help finalize your auto purchase at VW of Marion. If you have any questions about the features and specs on the Passat or Jetta, don’t hesitate to contact our auto sales team today to have your query answered. Better yet, why not explore our vehicle offers online so you can get behind the wheel of your new sedan even faster?