VS
At a Glance
Power
271hp @ 5600
228hp @ 6500
Torque
258lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Engine
2.4 L/146ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Subaru WRX and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 228hp @ 6500. On fuel, the WRX returns 22 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,995 for the WRX and $33,745 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.
Specification
Subaru WRXLimited Manual 2026 - From $38,995
Volkswagen JettaAutobahn DSG 2026 - From $33,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
271hp @ 5600
228hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
258lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.4 L/146ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Manual
Auto-Shift Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26mpg
35mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.8in
186.9in
Width (in)
71.9in
70.8in
Height (in)
57.8in
57.3in
Wheelbase (in)
105.2in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3419lbs
3311lbs
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
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen Jetta
2 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
Jetta
Value
Jetta
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Jetta
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,745)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the WRX or Jetta?
The WRX gets 22 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Jetta 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 WRX or Jetta?
The WRX produces 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the Jetta delivers 228hp @ 6500 and 258lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The WRX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the WRX and Jetta?
The WRX starts from $38,995 and the Jetta from $33,745. The Jetta is cheaper by $5,250 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the WRX 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