Volkswagen Jetta vs BMW M
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 18 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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 | Volkswagen Jetta | BMW M |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 48 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 200 g/mi ✓ | 264 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Diesel | Premium and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 51 | 236 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Jetta vs M: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Jetta or the BMW M?
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the BMW M, a 18 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 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 $2,900 for the BMW M — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the Jetta and M offer?
Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0. BMW M: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Volkswagen Jetta as Compact Cars and the BMW M as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Jetta comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-jetta-vs-bmw-m