Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic

The Volkswagen Jetta brings turbocharged power to every standard trim. Its 1.5-liter TSI® four-cylinder engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The gasoline-powered Honda Civic LX and Sport use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. That gives the Jetta an eight-horsepower advantage and an additional 51 lb-ft of torque, useful muscle when accelerating onto I-135.

The Civic Hybrid offers 200 total system horsepower. For shoppers who prefer a gasoline-powered sedan with conventional automatic gear changes, the VW Jetta delivers a satisfying alternative.

The Volkswagen Jetta Sport also adds the XDS® Cross Differential System, which applies braking to the inside driven wheel as needed to help reduce understeer. Its lower sport suspension gives drivers another reason to take the long way home.

Temperature preferences can become surprisingly passionate passenger discussions. Every Volkswagen Jetta includes dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, letting the driver and front passenger choose individual settings.

The Honda Civic LX and Sport include automatic climate control, while dual-zone operation arrives with the Sport Hybrid. The VW Jetta makes that extra flexibility standard across its lineup. Heated front seats come standard beginning with the Volkswagen Jetta Sport. In the Civic Sedan lineup, heated front seats begin with the Sport Hybrid.

For summer afternoons around Wichita, the Volkswagen Jetta SEL adds ventilated front seats. During colder weather, its heated steering wheel and heated outboard rear seats extend comfort beyond the front row.

Those trim choices let shoppers select everyday warmth early in the lineup, then add premium temperature-control features as their preferences grow.

Every Volkswagen Jetta includes an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless App-Connect, supporting Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with compatible devices. Drivers can bring familiar navigation apps onto the display while keeping their phone tucked away.

The Honda Civic LX, Sport, and Sport Hybrid feature a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone compatibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ arrive on the Sport Touring Hybrid, which also includes a nine-inch touchscreen.

The VW Jetta supplies wireless connectivity even in its S trim. Two USB-C ports provide 45-watt fast charging for compatible devices, handy during longer drives across Kansas.

An eight-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit comes standard, displaying vehicle information through customizable widgets. The Volkswagen Jetta SEL upgrades to the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. Compatible devices, operating systems, and apps are required; use connected features safely.