2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

In 2019, the Volkswagen Jetta underwent a transformation that expanded its dimensions, making it slightly longer and wider while maintaining the same height. This new, bolder stance was further accentuated by a wide, angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan. This upgrade moved away from the previous generation’s lackluster front end, bringing a more upscale and dramatic presence to the compact sedan.

Inside, the Jetta followed suit with an angular design theme, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional cabin. Although not all surfaces were soft-touch, the overall interior had a premium feel with impressively comfortable seats suitable for long journeys. Various trims offered different features, with the base S trim already being well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims like the SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium added more luxurious touches such as panoramic moonroofs, leatherette seating, heated seats, unique front and rear bumpers, and advanced driver-assistance features.

Comparatively, the 2020 BMW 3 Series exhibited a distinctive and somewhat aquatic allure with its lidded headlights, curved hood, expansive lower air intakes, and oversized grille. The M340i trim in particular epitomized driving pleasure, albeit at a steep price point starting from $40,750 to a fully loaded $69,570. The interior showcased high-quality materials, including off-white Ivory leather, combined with a sleek and purposeful design. However, the price was justified by the exceptional driving experience and attention to quality.

, the Jetta featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine across all trims. This engine produced 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than its predecessor, it felt more responsive due to its tuning for quick acceleration from a stop and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. This upgrade from the previous 6-speed allowed for better power distribution and efficiency. A 6-speed manual transmission also became available, enhancing the fun-to-drive factor. The Jetta managed both city and highway driving smoothly, and its well-weighted steering offered precise turn-in with minimal body roll. Fuel economy was another highlight, delivering 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined, regardless of the transmission type.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series saw significant enhancements in its driving dynamics, rectifying criticisms from previous models. Key structural and suspension changes, coupled with the new M Adaptive underpinnings, restored the car's reputation for excellent handling. The M340i trim, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, generated a robust 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive system and M Sport differential, along with the massive M Sport brakes, further elevated the driving experience. Although it came with an 8-speed automatic transmission, launch control allowed the M340i xDrive to sprint to 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds, making it an exhilarating choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2019 Jetta offered comfortable front seats and adequate rear-seat space despite minor reductions in legroom from previous models. Its trunk space decreased to 14.1 cubic feet from 15.7, but it remained average for the class. VW improved cabin usability by repositioning the touchscreen above the climate vents and moving the shifter back. These changes made controls more ergonomic and enhanced the center tray's functionality. The combination of touchscreen functionality with physical buttons ensured practical ease of use.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series provided similarly comfortable and supportive front seats, suitable for both spirited driving and long trips, with high-quality leather and heated features. Rear-seat entry and exit were somewhat awkward, but once seated, passengers found ample comfort. BMW's interior controls, while sometimes confusing, included a digital instrumentation display and a comprehensive iDrive system, praised for its user-friendly design. The 3 Series offered substantial storage with a generous 17 cubic feet of trunk space, though its practicality in terms of shape and usability was slightly debatable compared to typical family sedans.

The 2019 Jetta boasted a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Noteworthy technology included the Digital Cockpit on SEL and SEL Premium trims, a 10.25-inch customizable digital display offering a driver-centric, high-resolution experience.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured the latest iDrive infotainment system with a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. This iteration of iDrive integrated a "Hey, BMW" voice system capable of executing natural commands for navigation, climate control, and more. The head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses, added to the car’s technological sophistication.

The 2019 Jetta was equipped with standard safety features such as front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required opting for two Driving Assistance packages to get the latest ADAS features. Despite their occasional abruptness, the systems were accurate, although many might prefer controlling the car directly. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, underlining its robust safety credentials.