2025 VW Jetta vs Hyundai Elantra: Which Budget-Friendly Sedan Is Better?

2025 VW Jetta vs Hyundai Elantra: Which Budget-Friendly Sedan Is Better? originally appeared on Autoblog.

Solid alternatives in the compact sedan segment

It’s no secret that vehicles are getting more and more expensive with each passing year, but there’s still a selection of compact cars that are affordably priced for budget-conscious consumers. While two Japanese models tend to dominate the compact car discussion, the Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra are both solid alternatives. With a starting price under $22,500, both compact sedans are fantastic choices, but only one model can give you the most bang for your buck.

2025 Hyundai ElantraHyundai

The Hyundai Elantra is barely more affordable

Available from $22,125, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the more affordable of the two compact cars, but not by much. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is a tad more expensive, starting at $22,495, a $370 difference. Both sedans include well-equipped base models, with cloth seats, LED headlights, and an eight-inch touchscreen display.

In terms of styling, both sedans feature a modern aesthetic. The Volkswagen Jetta receives a refresh for the 2025 model year, with a new grille and headlamp designs, among other changes. The Hyundai Elantra was updated for the 2024 model year, with updated exterior lighting and new wheels. As a result, the Elantra rolls into the 2025 model year relatively unchanged.

2025 Volkswagen JettaJohn Beltz Snyder

If you prefer a more upscale experience on a budget, the base Jetta is the pick. It rides on 16-inch wheels and comes equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors, all features the base Elantra lacks. If infotainment is the name of the game, the entry-level Elantra includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

VW Jetta offers more performance, to an extent

When it comes to performance and efficiency, the Volkswagen Jetta takes home the crown, at least at the base level. Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With that setup, the Jetta arrives with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. At its peak, the Jetta earns up to an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

2025 Volkswagen JettaVolkswagen

The Hyundai Elantra comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the automaker’s IVT, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While fuel economy varies according to wheel size and standard equipment, the Elantra tops out with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. While the Jetta may be a bit quicker, the Elantra offers slightly better efficiency, but that changes with the Elantra’s range-topping trim level.

The Hyundai Elantra N Line, not to be confused with the dedicated Elantra N performance model, gives the compact sedan a little more oomph. It comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even with that bump in performance, the N Line trim is rated for 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

2025 Hyundai ElantraHyundai

At the top of the range

The Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra are available in four and five trim levels, respectively. At the top of the range lie the Jetta SEL and Elantra N Line. The top-spec Jetta SEL comes equipped with the same powertrain that’s found in lower trim levels. As already discussed, the Elantra N Line boasts a more powerful 201-horsepower turbocharged engine.

2025 Hyundai ElantraHyundai

Starting at $28,975, the Hyundai Elantra N Line rides on athletic 18-inch wheels wrapped in performance all-season tires. The performance-spec model features a unique front bumper and rear fascia with a diffuser, as well as twin chrome exhaust. Inside, the compact sedan features wireless device charging and two 10.25-inch displays. N Line leather-and-cloth sport seats and a unique N Line leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob round out the sporty aesthetic. As a top-spec trim, the Elantra N Line includes plenty of comfort amenities, including heated front seats. Notably, while the base trim level includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the N Line model steps back to the wired version.

The Volkswagen Jetta SEL starts at $29,000 and rolls out on 18-inch machined alloy wheels. The top-spec Jetta arrives with several premium amenities, including heated washer nozzles and an integrated light bar located in the front grille. Inside, ambient interior lighting and front sport seats create a more engaging aesthetic. As far as comfort goes, the Jetta SEL includes an extensive list of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The range-topping trim level comes with plenty of tech, including wireless charging, an eight-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display.

2025 Volkswagen JettaJohn Beltz Snyder

Final thoughts

While budget-friendly compact sedans aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, the Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra prove to be formidable rivals to one another and segment leaders. Both models are comparably priced, but getting the most bang for your buck ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you want a streamlined infotainment experience at the base level, the Elantra is the better choice. On the other hand, the Jetta includes a handful of upscale features geared towards comfort and convenience.

2025 Volkswagen JettaVolkswagen

At the top of the range, the compact sedans are even closer in price, with a mere $25 difference separating the two. While still affordably priced, the Elantra N Line surpasses the Jetta SEL in performance, but the German sedan adds a long list of comfort and convenience amenities to its standard equipment. If you want a more athletic aesthetic, however, the Elantra N Line taps into its trim-exclusive features to create a more engaging atmosphere.

2025 VW Jetta vs Hyundai Elantra: Which Budget-Friendly Sedan Is Better? first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 8, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.