Compare the2024 Volkswagen JettaVS 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen Jetta are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Jetta and 2 Series Gran Coupe have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Jetta has Rear Traffic Alert (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s Cross Traffic Warning doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Jetta and the 2 Series Gran Coupe have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 81 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Jetta’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta gets better mileage than the 2 Series Gran Coupe:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Jetta uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 2 Series Gran Coupe requires premium, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Jetta higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (3 to 7). This means the Jetta produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 2 Series Gran Coupe every 15,000 miles.

The Jetta offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Jetta stops shorter than the 2 Series Gran Coupe:

For better maneuverability, the Jetta’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s (35.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Jetta may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 550 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.

The front grille of the Jetta uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Jetta Sport is quieter than the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe:

The Jetta has 3.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 2 Series Gran Coupe (94.7 vs. 91).

The Jetta has .4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom, 3 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Jetta SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To shield the driver’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side window, the Jetta has a standard extendable sun visor. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Both the Jetta and the 2 Series Gran Coupe offer available heated front seats. The Jetta SEL also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Jetta SEL keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 2 Series Gran Coupe doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Volkswagen Jetta and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Volkswagen Jetta outsold the BMW 2 Series by over three to one during 2022.