BMW 4 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 4 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
Volkswagen Jetta
Compact Cars · 51 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 4 Series | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 44 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 28 mpg | 42 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg | 48 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 285 g/mi | 200 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S | SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Regular, Premium, Diesel |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 160 | 51 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
4 Series vs Jetta: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 4 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 4 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 4 Series — a difference of roughly $700 per year.
What engines do the 4 Series and Jetta offer?
BMW 4 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI S. Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 4 Series and the Volkswagen Jetta as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: bmw-4-series-vs-volkswagen-jetta