BMW 2 Series vs Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 2 Series, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Volkswagen Jetta leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

BMW 2 Series

Subcompact Cars · 93 configurations

31mpg combined (best)
All BMW 2 Series specs

2015–2027

Volkswagen Jetta

Compact Cars · 51 configurations

44mpg combined (best)
All Volkswagen Jetta specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW 2 SeriesVolkswagen Jetta
Best combined MPG31 mpg44 mpg
Best city MPG27 mpg42 mpg
Best highway MPG39 mpg48 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,450$1,750
Lowest CO2 output279 g/mi200 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFISIDI;, SIDI, 2.0
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S7), Manual 6-spdAutomatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7)
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremiumRegular, Premium, Diesel
EPA classSubcompact CarsCompact Cars
Years covered2015–20272015–2027
Configurations on record9351

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

2 Series vs Jetta: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW 2 Series or the Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 2 Series, a 13 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volkswagen Jetta runs about $1,750 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the BMW 2 Series — a difference of roughly $700 per year.

What engines do the 2 Series and Jetta offer?

BMW 2 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI & PFI. Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the BMW 2 Series as Subcompact Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta as Compact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More 2 Series comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-2-series-vs-volkswagen-jetta