2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Honda Civic: Which Compact Car Better Suits You?
Today’s car market features stylish, sporty models, no longer loved for fuel efficiency alone. Long gone are the days of bland design and sluggish performance – and just one test drive will prove it! Picking the perfect new ride requires careful consideration of your everyday driving needs, so be sure to think through which features matter most.
To ensure your decision is an informed one, our team has provided a comprehensive comparison of two popular models. Read on to find out how the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta stacks up against the 2023 Honda Civic.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
| Features | 2023 Volkswagen Jetta | 2023 Honda Civic |
| MSRP | $21,455 | $23,750 |
| Vehicle Type | Compact Car | Compact Car |
| Horsepower | 158 | 158 to 180 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel/Engine | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 1.5 L/91 | Regular Unleaded I-4 2.0 L/122 |
| MPG | 31 City / 41 Hwy | 31 City / 40 Hwy |
| Body Style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Dimensions | ||
| – Height, Overall (in.) | 57.7 | 55.7 |
| – Length, Overall (in.) | 186.5 | 184 |
| – Wheelbase (in.) | 105.7 | 107.7 |
| – Width, Max w/o mirrors (in.) | 70.8 | 70.9 |
| Convenience & Comfort | ||
| – Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional | Standard |
| – Adjustable Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| – Alarm | Optional | Standard |
| – Auto-Off Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| – Back-Up Camera | Standard | Standard |
| – Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| – Driver Vanity Mirror | Standard | Standard |
| – Intermittent Wipers | Optional | Standard |
| – Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| – Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
| – Passenger Vanity Mirror | Standard | Standard |
| – Power Door Locks | Standard | Standard |
| – Power Mirrors | Standard | Standard |
| – Power Steering | Standard | Standard |
| – Vehicle Anti-Theft System | Standard | Standard |
| Dimensions | ||
| – Front Headroom (in.) | 38.5 | 39.3 |
| – Front Hip Room (in.) | 53 | 54.3 |
| – Front Legroom (in.) | 41.1 | 42.3 |
| – Front Shoulder Room (in.) | 55.9 | 57 |
| – Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| – Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | 94.7 | 99 |
| – Second Headroom (in.) | 37.2 | 37.1 |
| – Second Hip Room (in.) | 51.4 | 48.9 |
| – Second Legroom (in.) | 37.4 | 37.4 |
| – Second Shoulder Room (in.) | 54 | 56 |
| – Trunk Volume (cu. ft.) | 14.1 | 14.8 |
| Trims | S, Sport, SE, SEL | LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Standard, Touring, Sport Touring |
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, starting at $21,455 MSRP, trims like Jetta GLI are outfitted with a more powerful turbocharged engine that pairs with a limited-slip differential to maximize grip when accelerating. It also features a special, sport-tuned adaptive suspension with an advanced multi-link setup and larger brakes to ensure stability on the road ahead – and to add confidence to your cruise! Despite its compact dimensions, the VW Jetta provides ample space for cargo and crew, wrapped in a sleek and sporty package that’s sure to turn heads.
The 2023 Honda Civic comes with a heftier price tag, with base trims starting at $27,750 MSRP. Representing the eleventh generation of one of the best-selling vehicles, the 2023 Civic is available as a sedan and hatchback. The line-up boasts the triumphant return of the hatchback-only Civic Type R – now more boldly designed than ever before!
Comfort and Space
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Comfortability
For Jetta, the 2023 VW Jetta GLI is widely considered one of the most refined sport compacts on the road today, with adaptive dampers that don’t require drivers to choose between sporty performance and a comfortable, quiet ride. Other features, like standard heated/cooled seats and automatic climate control, provide an enhanced experience behind the wheel as well.
2023 Honda Civic Comfortability
The Honda Civic is also equipped with a finely tuned suspension that provides sufficient smoothing, but in terms of comfort, this model doesn’t top the charts. The Civic’s sporty handling is worth the road noise and lack of upscale features for drivers in pursuit of racier performance though. However, the Civic does offer leather upholstery and climate control.
Performance
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Performance
A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard on Jetta models, offering acceleration that’s perfectly adequate for everyday drives. Focused less on efficiency and more on power, the Jetta GLI model puts an upgraded 228-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the spotlight. Choose from several transmission options, including a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic – and for the beefier turbo-four, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
2023 Honda Civic Performance
The 2023 Civic gives drivers three basic engine options: a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 180- to 200-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and a 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Jetta GLI’s upgraded engine beats both lower-end options but falls short of the turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower.
Front-wheel drive is standard across the Civic lineup, with two transmission options: continuously variable automatic (CVT) and six-speed manual.
Technology Features
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Technology
The 2023 Jetta is loaded with all the latest tech, including the following:
- Intuitive Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with navigation
- Remote Connected Feature (wireless charging and engine remote start)
- VW Car-Net Safe & Secure
- VW Car-Net Hotspot trial
- SiriusXM with 360L
- BeatsAudio® sound system
- App Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
2023 Honda Civic Technology
The Civic also features a suite of must-have features, like these:
- 9-inch display screen (Touring trim)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- BOSE Premium audio system
- Camera-based driver assist features
- Proximity keyless entry
- Push-button and remote start options
Safety
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Features
Cutting-edge technology not only keeps drivers connected, but safe as well! These safety and driver assist features offer peace of mind, no matter where the road takes you.
- IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist
- Rear View Camera System
- Durable safety cage
- Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Sis stability-enhancing systems
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Front Assist
- Emergency Assist (automatic transmission only)
- Lane Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Light Assist
2023 Honda Civic Safety Features
Like Volkswagen, Honda is known for prioritizing safety and reliability. The 2023 Civic comes equipped with the following:
- Honda Sensing Suite: safety and assistance features designed to make driving easier.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System with Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Appearance
2023 Volkswagen Jetta
There’s no denying that the Jetta GLI takes sporty styling to the next level, racing far ahead of its compact car competitors. Designed to impress both inside and out, the Jetta offers plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers in the rear row too. Premium upholstery, easy-to-use infotainment, and customizable features don’t disappoint either!
2023 Honda Civic
The Honda Civic easily accommodates adults in both rows as well – something many compact sedans can’t claim! Decent visibility is improved by the rearview camera, elevating maneuverability to competitive levels.
Color Options
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Color Options
- Kings Red Metallic
- Platinum Gray Metallic
- Pyrite Silver Metallic
- Rising Blue Metallic
- Deep Black Pearl
- Opal White
2023 Honda Civic Color Options
- Rallye Red
- Aegean Blue Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Meteorite Gray Metallic
- Morning Mist Metallic
- Platinum White Pearl
- Sonic gray Pearl
Overview: Advantages of the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Honda Civic
2023 VW Jetta Advantages
- Efficient powertrain
- Spacious, quiet interior
- Comfortable seats and overall interior
- Ample interior storage and a large trunk
2023 Honda Civic Advantages
- Agile handling and responsive performance
- Above-average fuel economy and cargo space
- Easy-to-use tech features
2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2023 Honda Civic: Which Car Do You Want Most?
Both of these sedans for sale rank high on drivers’ lists, with the ultimate decision coming down to your individual needs and preferences. A test drive is often the best way to decide, with one model pulling into the lead once you’ve hopped behind the wheel.
Here at Low Country Volkswagen, we’ve stocked a huge selection of new VW models. No Volkswagen dealer near you beats our incredible inventory – or our high standard of customer service! Our sales staff is committed to your car search, so you’re sure to enjoy a buying experience like none other.
Plus, the best deals in town!
Conveniently located in Mount Pleasant, SC, we couldn’t be prouder to serve Lowcountry locals here at home – and throughout the Palmetto State! So, if you’re looking for a Volkswagen near you, come see us today!
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Disclaimer by Low Country Volkswagen:
Low Country Volkswagen believes the information and specifications in this website to be correct at the time of publishing.
Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, pricing, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, and colors are subject to change without notice.
Images of vehicles are for illustrative purposes only. Please see the dealer for details and availability.