VS
At a Glance
Power
150hp @ 6400
158hp @ 5500
Torque
133lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Fuel
36 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Civic delivers 150hp @ 6400 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 158hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Civic returns 36 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $24,595 for the Civic and $23,995 for the Jetta. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
150hp @ 6400
158hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
133lb-ft @ 4000
184lb-ft @ 1750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
32 (Est)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
41 (Est)mpg
40mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12.4gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
184.8in
186.5in
Width (in)
70.9in
70.8in
Height (in)
55.7in
57.7in
Wheelbase (in)
107.7in
105.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2875lbs
2998lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Jetta
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Jetta
Fuel Economy
Civic
Value
Jetta
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Civic
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Jetta
Lower starting price ($23,995)
Higher fuel consumption (34 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Civic or Jetta?
The Civic gets 36 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Civic is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Civic or Jetta?
The Civic produces 150hp @ 6400 and 133lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Jetta delivers 158hp @ 5500 and 184lb-ft @ 1750 of torque. The Jetta is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Civic and Jetta?
The Civic starts from $24,595 and the Jetta from $23,995. The Jetta is cheaper by $600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Civic or the Jetta?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider