2020 Honda Civic Sedan
Starting Price: $20,176 CDN
Pros
- Compact on the outside, roomy on the inside
- A reliability champ
- A resale-values champ
Cons
- Higher trims become pricey
- Busy styling can be polarising
What's New For 2020
- Honda Sensing driver aids now standard throughout the range.
Summary
Buyers of brand-new compact cars are lucky. They have the front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger 2020 Honda Civic Sedan as just one of several fantastic choices. There are some factors, though, that nudge the Civic a tad above compact sedans like the Volkswagen Jetta, Mazda3, Kia Forte, and the new-for-2020 Toyota Corolla.
One thing is resale values, where the Civic excels. Rock-solid reliability is another. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also makes it a Top Safety Pick. Models span from the sensible DX to the more luxurious Touring.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Starting Price: $21,245 CDN
Pros
- A “compact” sedan that’s almost as spacious as a midsize
- Excellent driving manners blending comfort with composure
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is standard
- Generous 4-year/80,000-km bumper-to-bumper warranty
Cons
- Some high-tech options not available on lower trims
- Only one engine choice available for non-GLI Jettas
What's New For 2020
- Every new Jetta receives App-Connect smartphone integration (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, MirrorLink)
- Execline model gains 17-inch alloy wheels
Summary
The front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger 2020 Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan has never been better. In terms of generation, it’s only one year old, so the technology and safety features are fresh, with driving abilities that are both refined and athletic. Space and comfort are two more strong points. The pricing is also reasonable.
Jetta competitors include the Honda Civic plus the all-new Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Mazda3. Each has its particular appeal, but the 2020 VW Jetta should definitely be on any list of possible new compact-sedan purchases.
Final Recommendation
While either of these compact sedans is an excellent choice, the 2020 Honda Civic Sedan edges out the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta in this comparison thanks to its reliability, broader choice in engines and its resale value, while the Jetta is a solid car that offers European driving dynamics.
|
Specs |
2020 Honda Civic Sedan |
2020 Volkswagen Jetta |
|
Engine |
2.0-litre I4 1.5-litre Turbocharged I4 |
1.4-litre Turbocharged I4 |
|
Transmission(s) |
6-speed manual Continuously variable automatic |
6-speed manual 8-speed automatic |
|
Fuel Economy |
2.0-litre I4: 1.5-litre Turbocharged I4: CVT Touring - 7.1 L/100 km (7.8 city, 6.2 hwy) |
Manual/Auto - 7.0 L/100 km (7.9 city, 5.9 hwy)
|
|
Warranty |
3 years/60,000 km |
4-years/80,000 km |
|
Max Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
|
Wheelbase |
2,660 mm |
2,686 mm |
|
Overall Length |
4,626 mm |
4,702 mm |
|
Width |
2,107 mm |
1,799 mm |
|
Height |
1,416 mm |
1,463 mm |
|
Curb Weight |
1,252-1,351 kg |
1,314 kg |
|
Headroom, Front |
953-997- mm |
979 mm |
|
Headroom, Rear |
935-942 mm |
945 mm |
|
Legroom, Front |
1,074 mm |
1,045 mm |
|
Legroom, Rear |
950 mm |
949 mm |
|
Shoulder Room, Front |
1,447 mm |
1,420 mm |
|
Shoulder Room, Rear |
1,397 mm |
1,372 mm |
|
Passenger Volume |
2,769 L |
2,682 L |
|
Cargo Volume |
428 L |
510 L |
|
Max Towing |
N/A |
N/A |
