If you’re in the market for a compact car, it might be tempting to go with one of the really popular options that everyone else buys. However, there’s more variety in this class than you might’ve thought. The practical Hyundai Elantra and the refined Volkswagen Jetta have a lot to offer to anyone looking for a new car that balances affordable pricing, good fuel economy, and modern technology.
Let’s compare these compact sedans and see which is a better fit for you.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra has long served as a slightly more affordable alternative to its more popular Japanese rivals, but that doesn’t mean it’s a compromise. This small car packs in a lot of value. Pricing starts at $23,220.
Hyundai Elantra Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Hyundai Elantra is tied with the Kia K4 for the best warranty coverage in this class. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, giving the owner a lot of peace of mind.
Hybrid option: The Hyundai Elantra has a hybrid powertrain option rated at up to 54 mpg in mixed driving. That gives it significantly lower fuel costs than the Volkswagen Jetta, which has no hybrid option.
Extra room: These two sedans are pretty similar in size, but the Elantra has slightly more interior space. A little more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the back seats and a little extra trunk space can go a long way.
Read our Hyundai Elantra Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Elantra models for sale near you.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
There’s only one option in the U.S. for a compact car from a European brand that isn’t a luxury car: the Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta stays true to form with subtle and refined styling inside and out and the driving manners we hope for in a German car, even if it’s just an affordable VW. Pricing starts at $23,220.
Volkswagen Jetta Highlights
Strong base engine: The standard turbocharged engine in the Volkswagen Jetta has more power and torque than the base engine in the Elantra. This extra muscle under the hood, mated to a well-tuned chassis, makes the Jetta a little more engaging to drive without sacrificing practicality.
German refinement: Volkswagen models have always had a different vibe inside than their Asian and American rivals, and that remains true in the 2025 Jetta. We love the upscale look and feel of this interior, which makes it feel a little pricier than it is.
Digital Cockpit: The Digital Cockpit from Volkswagen (and Audi before it) helped popularize the idea of the digital gauge cluster. It’s commonplace now, but the user-friendly and customizable Digital Cockpit in the Jetta is still one of our favorite systems of its kind.
Read our Volkswagen Jetta Expert Review or see 2025 Volkswagen Jetta models for sale near you.
Similarities
These compact sedans are similar in size and, at least as this is written, happen to have an identical starting price. They also both have their respective performance models, the Elantra N and Jetta GLI.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Elantra Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (54548)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$23,320 |
$22,063 |
|||
$24,445 |
$23,205 |
|||
$27,020 |
$25,655 |
|||
$27,970 |
$26,686 |
|||
$30,170 |
$28,902 |
New 2025 Volkswagen Jetta Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (54548)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$23,720 |
$22,182 |
|||
$25,000 |
$23,415 |
|||
$26,500 |
$24,801 |
|||
$30,225 |
$28,535 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Elantra vehicles and New 2025 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Hyundai Elantra | 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 32 city/41 highway/36 combined mpg | 29 city/39 highway/33 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid, 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 inches | 105.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 186.5 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Height | 55.7 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 36.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 37.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.5 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 54.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.2 cubic feet | 14.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Hyundai Elantra makes a strong case as the more practical option among these two compact sedans. It offers a better warranty, better fuel economy, and a little more interior space, all nice perks. However, the Volkswagen Jetta has that Euro personality that’s hard to imitate, and it’s definitely an enthusiast’s choice for a practical daily driver.
