Honda Civic vs Volkswagen Jetta
This page compares the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Jetta across the 17 model years both appear in our data (2010–2026). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Honda Civic averages about 41 mpg (UK) against 40 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Honda Civic (4.5 against 6.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2026
| Measure | Honda Civic | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 41 | 40 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 162 | 175 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $1,947 | $2,326 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 95 | 94 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 14 of 16 | 13 of 15 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 4.5 | 6.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 474 | 337 |
| Engine options across these years | 7 | 6 |
Year by Year
| Year | Honda Civic MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Volkswagen Jetta MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 35 | — | 8 | 413 | 38 | — | 6 | 875 |
| 2011 | 35 | 3★ | 9 | 172 | 38 | 4★ | 11 | 640 |
| 2012 | 37 | 4★ | 4 | 473 | 38 | — | 8 | 527 |
| 2013 | 38 | 5★ | 0 | 329 | 38 | 4★ | 7 | 632 |
| 2014 | 40 | 5★ | 2 | 297 | 38 | 5★ | 6 | 440 |
| 2015 | 40 | 5★ | 1 | 393 | 42 | 5★ | 8 | 197 |
| 2016 | 42 | 5★ | 5 | 1,082 | 40 | 5★ | 5 | 164 |
| 2017 | 42 | 5★ | 6 | 601 | 40 | 5★ | 7 | 159 |
| 2018 | 41 | 5★ | 6 | 601 | 40 | 5★ | 3 | 31 |
| 2019 | 42 | 5★ | 4 | 451 | 41 | 5★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2020 | 41 | 5★ | 5 | 232 | 41 | 5★ | 6 | 53 |
| 2021 | 41 | 5★ | 4 | 159 | 41 | 5★ | 4 | 69 |
| 2022 | 43 | 5★ | 4 | 959 | 41 | 5★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 | 5★ | 2 | 332 | 42 | 5★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2024 | 43 | 5★ | 2 | 142 | 41 | 5★ | 0 | 44 |
| 2025 | 43 | 5★ | 1 | 96 | 40 | 5★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2026 | 43 | 5★ | 0 | 29 | 41 | 5★ | 0 | 6 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Honda Civic · Volkswagen Jetta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Honda Civic or the Volkswagen Jetta?
On its most efficient configuration the Honda Civic averages about 41 mpg (UK) against 40 mpg for the Volkswagen Jetta. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Honda Civic has 14 of 16 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Volkswagen Jetta has 13 of 15. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Honda Civic averages 4.5 recall campaigns and 474 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Jetta averages 6.4 and 337. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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