2025 Nissan Versa vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta

$17,390 · Sedan

$23,995 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Versa and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Versa starting at $17,390 while the Jetta commands $23,995, a $6,605 premium. Performance figures heavily favor the Jetta, which outputs 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Versa's 122 hp and 114 lb-ft. Conversely, the Versa maintains a slight advantage in fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Jetta's 34 MPG combined, although the Jetta offers superior highway efficiency at 40 MPG. Dimensionally, the Jetta is substantially longer at 186.5 inches versus the Versa's 177.0 inches. Cargo space is nearly identical, with the Versa offering 14.7 cu ft against the Jetta's 14.1 cu ft, illustrating a clear focus on budget economy versus powertrain sophistication in this comparison.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2026 Jetta provides superior efficiency with a 40 MPG highway rating and an 8-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the daily drive experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta's significantly longer body (186.5 inches vs. 177.0 inches) likely translates to slightly improved passenger comfort despite similar cargo capacities.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

With 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Jetta substantially outperforms the Versa's 122 hp and 114 lb-ft output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Versa

The 2025 Versa wins on pure entry cost, beginning $6,605 lower than the 2026 Jetta at $17,390.

Choose the Nissan Versa if...

Budget constraints require an MSRP under $18,000.
You prefer the manual control offered by the 5-speed manual transmission.
You prioritize slightly greater overall cargo volume (14.7 cu ft vs 14.1 cu ft).

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta if...

Accessing 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque is a priority for acceleration.
The extended body length (186.5 inches) is necessary for interior space.
An 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is desired over a manual gearbox.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Versa	Volkswagen Jetta
Length	177.0"	186.5"
Width	68.5"	70.8"
Height	57.3"	57.7"
Wheelbase	103.1"	105.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	122 hp @ 6300 rpm	158 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	5-speed manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	29/40 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	34 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	291.6/378.0 mi.	382.8/528.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	50.9 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	31.0 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Dimensions	15 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P195/65R15	205/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Versa and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Jetta compared to the 2025 Versa?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta offers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing a substantial 36 hp and 70 lb-ft increase over the 2025 Nissan Versa's output.

Does the Versa save money on fuel despite the Jetta having a better combined MPG rating?

The Jetta is superior in efficiency, achieving 34 MPG combined versus the Versa's 30 MPG combined, which offsets some of the initial $6,605 price difference over the vehicle's lifespan.

Which sedan offers superior driver engagement based on transmission options?

The 2025 Versa exclusively offers a 5-speed manual transmission for a more traditional driving experience, while the Jetta provides an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Is the 2026 Jetta significantly larger than the 2025 Versa?

Yes, the Jetta has a noticeable size advantage, measuring 186.5 inches in length compared to the Versa's 177.0 inches, although both feature nearly identical cargo capacities around 14.1 to 14.7 cubic feet.

Are both cars restricted to regular unleaded fuel?

Both the 2025 Nissan Versa and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping long-term running costs predictable for either model.