Volkswagen Jetta vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $800 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
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subcompact Cars · 123 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Jetta | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 48 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,750 ✓ | $2,550 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 200 g/mi ✓ | 215 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 51 | 123 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Jetta vs C-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Volkswagen Jetta or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Volkswagen Jetta is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 44 mpg combined versus 30 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $800 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 $2,550 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class — a difference of roughly $800 per year.
What engines do the Jetta and C-Class offer?
Volkswagen Jetta: SIDI;, SIDI, 2.0. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Volkswagen Jetta as Compact Cars and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Jetta comparisons
Comparison id: volkswagen-jetta-vs-mercedes-benz-c-class