Volkswagen Jetta vs BMW 3 Series
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the BMW 3 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Volkswagen Jetta leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Volkswagen Jetta
Compact Cars · 51 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Jetta | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 48 mpg ✓ | 43 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 200 g/mi | 158 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 51 | 105 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Jetta vs 3 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Jetta or the BMW 3 Series?
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the BMW 3 Series, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $450 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 $2,200 for the BMW 3 Series — a difference of roughly $450 per year.
What engines do the Jetta and 3 Series offer?
Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0. BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Volkswagen Jetta and the BMW 3 Series as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
More Jetta comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-jetta-vs-bmw-3-series