Compact cars remain some of the most budget-friendly ways to get into a new car. Low price tags and good fuel economy make them value-conscious, but modern compact cars also offer impressive levels of interior quality and modern technology. Two well-established names in this class, the Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta, remain good options for small cars in 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at these compact sedans and see which is better for you.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has long been a practical and budget-friendly choice in compact cars, and that reputation is unchanged for the 2025 model. In addition to its frugality, it offers up sharp styling, modern tech, and a nicer interior than you might expect at this price point. Pricing starts at $22,730.
Nissan Sentra Highlights
Bargain pricing: The Nissan Sentra has a slightly lower base price than the Volkswagen Jetta. Even in the top, well-equipped SR trim, the Sentra is still only around $25,000. It’s a terrific value no matter how it’s optioned.
Great fuel economy: Both of these cars are efficient, but the Sentra gets better fuel economy, yielding lower fuel costs. If you’re shopping for a compact car to save money at the dealer and at the fuel pump, the Sentra is more budget friendly.
Zero Gravity seats: A big strength across the Nissan lineup is its Zero Gravity front seats. Developed with NASA’s research, these carefully designed seats reduce fatigue on long drives, and they’re some of the comfiest seats in this class.
Read our Nissan Sentra Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Sentra models for sale near you.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta stands out in the compact car segment as the only European option at this price point. Appropriately, it has the subtle styling, engaging driving dynamics, and dignified interior we expect from our German friends. Pricing starts at $23,220.
Volkswagen Jetta Highlights
Eager turbo engines: Despite its more conservative styling, the Jetta is a decidedly sportier car than the Sentra. Comparing their base engines, the turbocharged Jetta has more power and torque. Also, the Jetta GLI is a real German sport sedan with 228 horsepower and a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox.
Roomy back seats: The Volkswagen Jetta has an extra 2.5 inches of rear legroom compared to the Sentra. That little bit goes a long way. If you have backseat passengers regularly, they’ll appreciate the extra space.
Good basic warranty: The Jetta is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. That beats the Sentra’s basic warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles, although Nissan has a longer powertrain warranty.
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 both get impressive safety ratings. They’re also similar when it comes to safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
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 Nissan Sentra 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 Nissan Sentra | 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 149 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city/40 highway/34 combined mpg | 29 city/39 highway/33 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, manual transmission | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.6 inches | 105.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.9 inches | 186.5 inches |
| Width | 71.5 inches | 70.8 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 36.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.9 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 36.7 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.8 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.9 inches | 37.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.4 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.5 inches | 53.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 14.3 cubic feet | 14.1 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Nissan Sentra is the budget option, and the Volkswagen Jetta is the sporty option. If you like the idea of a German car that’s engaging to drive but cheaper than a luxury car, you’ll get more enjoyment out of the Jetta. However, if you just need a practical compact car to get you from A to B, the Sentra may be a better fit.
