Volkswagen Jetta vs. Volkswagen Passat

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Volkswagen Jetta

$609
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Volkswagen Passat

$639
Average Annual
Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

4
Above Average
The Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 36 for compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $609 which means it has average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Jetta is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
4
Above Average
The Volkswagen Passat Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 17th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $639 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low while frequency of those issues is average, so major issues are uncommon for the Passat.
Cost
Average annual repairs total
$609
inexpensive
expensive
$639
inexpensive
expensive
Frequency
Average annual repair shop visits
0.32
not often
very often
0.45
not often
very often
Severity
Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent
10%
not urgent
urgent
9%
not urgent
urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

5 (6)
4 (52)
3 (54)
2 (37)
1 (8)
The Volkswagen Jetta ranks highest in fuel economy and ranks lowest in comfort.
“This has a pretty good bread and butter sort of car.Not exciting at all , but it runs and runs.Fairly comfortable , not a great performer , but easy enough to keep up.The interior shows its age , I...”
“This has a pretty good bread and butter sort of car.Not exciting at all , but it runs and...”
5 (8)
4 (28)
3 (22)
2 (11)
1 (1)
“it idles gos up and down can't find problem”
“it idles gos up and down can't find problem”

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

The Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Passat are two different sedans from the same carmaker. The Jetta is a compact four-door sedan, while the Passat is a midsize four-door sedan. Both come with front-wheel drive.

The smaller Jetta’s standard engine has 150 horsepower, with a maximum upgrade to 210 horsepower in the performance GLI version. The larger Passat comes standard with 174 horsepower, and has an optional 280-horsepower engine.

When comparing these two cars, roominess could be a deciding factor. The Jetta has 94.1 cubic feet of interior volume and 15.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The Passat has 102 cubic feet of interior volume and 15.9 cubic feet of space in the trunk.

Choosing between the Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Passat is largely a matter of how much car you need and what you’re willing to pay. If you need maximum interior space in your next sedan, the Passat definitely delivers. If the smaller, easier-to-park, less expensive Jetta will satisfy you, then that’s really all you need.