Volkswagen Jetta vs Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen has a lineup of vehicles to suit any taste and lifestyle. If you’re looking for a car with excellent driving dynamics and a comfortable, tech-forward cabin, the Jetta and Golf models have everything you want and then some. Volkswagen offers the standard Jetta and Golf GTI with a capable and efficient powertrain, modern style, and the latest in-vehicle tech you crave. Additionally, for those people wanting more thrills, the sporty Jetta GLI and Golf R deliver an exciting ride.

Of course, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan style appeals to some, while the Golf’s five-door hatchback attracts others. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference. So, we had our experts run a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which vehicle suits your needs best.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Image by Christos Hrousis | Licensed with CC BY 2.0

At Bachman Volkswagen, we stock an expansive inventory of Golf and Jetta models at various trim levels and competitive prices. Naturally, the cost varies depending on the options and packages you select, but we offer the following table outlining the base price for each trim to start our comparison:

If you’re looking to stay on budget, the Jetta offers lower pricing versus the Golf GTI. However, the regular Golf GTI has three options for drivers who love zipping in and out of corners. Both vehicles offer performance models engineered to get the heart pumping.

Performance

Volkswagen uses a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection technology. People looking for that connected driving experience love the standard six-speed manual transmission. Those who prefer smooth, effortless shifting can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission. In either case, the Jetta powertrain produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The Jetta GLI upgrades to a 2.0-liter inline turbo four, also with direct injection and a six-speed manual transmission. An optional seven-speed direct-shift gearbox dual-clutch automatic transmission takes the thinking out of driving, letting the Tiptronic transmission handle the work. This powertrain rates at 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The Golf GTI comes with Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, both optimized for more power. As a result, this powertrain puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. However, opting for the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic still offers connected driving without sacrificing power, thanks to steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Volkswagen’s Golf R features a four-cylinder engine with an intercooler turbocharger and Fuel Stratified Injection mated with a six-speed manual transmission. This R-tuned powertrain pumps out 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and clocks zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. In addition, the Golf R comes with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with Torque Vectoring Control. As a result, the Golf R begs to sprint straightaways and carve corners.

Technology

Both cars have the same in-vehicle technology that runs through the 8-inch touch screen. In addition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come pre-installed for wireless operations. So, now you can stream your favorite music while sending destination information to your navigation system and still let multiple devices connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Every Golf and Jetta model comes with a Digital Cockpit Pro system that converts critical data into easy-to-read information. In addition, you can upgrade the Golf audio system to a premium version from Harman Kardon versus the Beats Audio system available on the Jetta. Every Volkswagen can access the app for remote connectivity that enables you to start, stop, lock, unlock, and set your climate control system from anywhere.

Driver-Assist Technology

Every Jetta and Golf comes equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE technology, which is a driver-assist system that improves your driving experience while keeping you safe. This includes adaptive cruise control, which uses sensors to keep your Volkswagen at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. Adaptive cruise control automatically slows your Jetta or Golf down as the traffic ahead decelerates, even to a complete stop. When the traffic clears, the cruise control returns your vehicle to its presets, reducing driver fatigue and improving safety.

An active blind-spot monitor system uses similar technology to scan your Jetta or Golf’s blind spots, alerting you with visual and audio cues when cars enter those hard-to-see areas. If you attempt a lane-changing maneuver with a vehicle in your blind spot, the system can provide gentle steering input to keep you from crashing.

The rear traffic alert system scans behind your Volkswagen while you back up, alerting you when vehicles approach from either side. If you fail to react to the warning signal, the system will engage emergency brake support to help you avoid an accident. Likewise, Volkswagen’s Front Assist system uses radar and cameras to scan the way forward for obstacles and alert you to their presence. Should you react slowly, Front Assist activates braking to keep you from a collision.

You also get one of the first-of-its-kind driver alert systems, Emergency Assist. This program identifies when the driver becomes unresponsive. Emergency Assist alerts you and then engages a protocol that slows and stops your Jetta or Golf before you lose control.

A lane assist system scans your Volkswagen while traveling within marked lanes. When the system detects an unintentional drift, it alerts you. In addition, it uses subtle steering correction in certain situations to return you to your route.

Test Drive a Volkswagen Jetta or Golf Today

Whether you need a car to upgrade your Louisville commute or add some thrills to your daily drive, the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf have the power, comfort, and technology to please the most discriminating driver. As you consider your options, we invite you to browse our inventory online. We have an expansive inventory of vehicles loaded with features you’ll love at great prices. If you prefer to check out our lineup in person, you can visit our Bluegrass Parkway dealership at your convenience. Our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions and let you take your preferred vehicle for a spin.