2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance variant that evolved from the Subaru Impreza, was known for its aggressive styling and sporty features. It had a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it stand out in the Subaru lineup. Despite its racy appearance, the non-STI version maintained a sleeper quality, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The cabin, however, was considered somewhat plain for a new car in 2021, though it offered practicality with its straightforward dash layout and easy-to-use controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence with its longer and wider dimensions compared to its predecessor. The Jetta's design was more dramatic, featuring a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan. Inside, the cabin mirrored this angular design, offering a spacious and functional environment. The interior was praised for its comfort and practicality, with a blend of real buttons and dials for controls, enhancing the user experience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though a CVT was also available. The manual transmission provided a precise and smooth driving experience, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts. The WRX excelled in cornering, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, though it had a stiff ride and noticeable road noise. The WRX STI variant offered even more power with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with enhanced braking and suspension for sharper handling.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine was tuned for quick power delivery, aided by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta offered a smooth and balanced driving experience, with precise steering and minimal body roll. It handled both city and highway driving well, with a soft ride over rough roads. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with minimal difference between the manual and automatic transmissions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin was practical, with a straightforward dash layout and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of space, while rear-seat space was adequate for adults on short trips. However, the WRX's cargo space was limited to 340 litres, which was low compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk offered 399 litres of space, which was average for its class. The interior layout was functional, with a well-placed touchscreen and a larger centre tray for storage. The Jetta's design emphasized practicality, with a blend of touchscreen functions and real buttons for ease of use.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch version. The Starlink system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the conventional instrument panel. This allowed drivers to personalize the information displayed, including navigation.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features was available, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Jetta received a Good rating in IIHS crash tests but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick due to its headlight performance. It earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.