2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$54,250

MSRP

$18,995

Average price

$76,426

Average price

$23,975

Listings

30

Listings

280
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews Summary

When money is but a mild concern, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz is a reasonable purchase. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the company's most practical and versatile car, as high-quality and necessary in a nice garage as a Kitchen-Aid mixer is in a baker's kitchen. It offers four body styles, four engines, and dozens of colour schemes. Fast or efficient? Loud or library quiet? Modest or rich as hell? The E-Class, the brand's midsize car, is all of those things, depending on which of the 13 models you order and how deep into the options list you dive. For 2021, the E-Class receives a mid-cycle update for the infotainment system, engines, and exterior styling. We tested the Mercedes-AMG E53 that features a mild-hybrid inline-6 powertrain.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews Summary

Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience.

But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans.

So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

39
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$54,250MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$54,250
$18,995
Average price
$76,426
$23,975
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.5
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Summary
When money is but a mild concern, a brand-new Mercedes-Benz is a reasonable purchase. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the company's most practical and versatile car, as high-quality and necessary in a nice garage as a Kitchen-Aid mixer is in a baker's kitchen. It offers four body styles, four engines, and dozens of colour schemes. Fast or efficient? Loud or library quiet? Modest or rich as hell? The E-Class, the brand's midsize car, is all of those things, depending on which of the 13 models you order and how deep into the options list you dive. For 2021, the E-Class receives a mid-cycle update for the infotainment system, engines, and exterior styling. We tested the Mercedes-AMG E53 that features a mild-hybrid inline-6 powertrain.

Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience.

But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans.

So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars?

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
1.4L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
22
29
MPG Highway
31
39
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