Compare the2022 Genesis G70VS 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the G70 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Jetta doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Genesis G70 has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Jetta doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The G70 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Jetta doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The G70 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Jetta doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The G70 Sport Prestige has a standard 360-degree Multi-view Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Jetta only offers a rear monitor.

The G70 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Jetta’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the G70 has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the Jetta.

The G70’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Jetta doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the G70 and the Jetta have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Genesis G70 weighs 551 to 992 pounds more than the Volkswagen Jetta. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the G70 its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 63 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Jetta last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The G70 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Jetta’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Genesis’ powertrain warranty covers the G70 6 years and 50,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Jetta. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Jetta ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The G70’s 7 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Jetta runs out after 100,000 miles.

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the G70 for 1 year and 16000 miles longer than Volkswagen pays for maintenance for the Jetta (3/36,000 vs. 2/20,000).

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the G70 has a standard 800-amp battery. The Jetta’s standard 480-amp battery and largest (optional) 640 amp battery aren’t as powerful.

The battery on the G70 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the G70’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Jetta’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the G70’s reliability 18 points higher than the Jetta.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the G70 first among compact premium cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The Jetta was rated third in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis fifth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 9th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Genesis 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 61 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Genesis vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Genesis 19 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The G70 2.0T’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 105 more horsepower (252 vs. 147) and 76 lbs.-ft. more torque (260 vs. 184) than the Jetta’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The G70 3.3T’s standard 3.3 turbo V6 produces 218 more horsepower (365 vs. 147) and 192 lbs.-ft. more torque (376 vs. 184) than the Jetta’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The G70 3.3T’s optional 3.3 turbo V6 produces 221 more horsepower (368 vs. 147) and 192 lbs.-ft. more torque (376 vs. 184) than the Jetta’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Genesis G70 is faster than the Volkswagen Jetta (automatics tested):

	G70 2.0T	G70 3.3T	Jetta
Zero to 60 MPH	6.2 sec	4.5 sec	7.8 sec
Quarter Mile	14.7 sec	13 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	93.9 MPH	108.5 MPH	86.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The G70 has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Jetta (15.8 vs. 13.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The Genesis G70 comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Jetta.

The G70’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Jetta doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the G70’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Jetta:

	G70 2.0T	G70 3.3T	Jetta
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	13.8 inches	11.3 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	13.4 inches	10.7 inches

The G70 3.3T’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Jetta are solid, not vented.

The G70 stops much shorter than the Jetta:

	G70	Jetta
70 to 0 MPH	151 feet	191 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	106 feet	124 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the G70 has larger standard tires than the Jetta (225/45R18 vs. 205/60R16). The G70’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Jetta (F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19 vs. 205/60R16).

The G70’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Jetta’s standard 60 series tires. The G70’s optional 225/40R19 front and 255/35R19 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Jetta R-Line/SEL Premium’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the G70 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Jetta. The G70’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the Jetta R-Line/SEL Premium.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Genesis G70 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Volkswagen Jetta has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The G70 has standard front gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Jetta’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The G70 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the G70 flat and controlled during cornering. The Jetta’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The G70 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Jetta’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G70’s wheelbase is 5.9 inches longer than on the Jetta (111.6 inches vs. 105.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the G70 is 2.1 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Jetta.

The G70 handles at .94 G’s, while the Jetta SEL pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The G70 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.7 seconds quicker than the Jetta SEL (24.9 seconds @ .77 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The G70 has 1.3 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room and .6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Jetta.

Cargo Capacity

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the G70’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The Jetta’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the G70. The Jetta doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the G70’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The G70 3.3T Prestige/3.3T Sport also has a standard power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Jetta doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The G70 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Jetta uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the G70 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Jetta. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Genesis service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Genesis 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 41% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 27th.

Ergonomics

The G70 3.3T/Prestige/Sport’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Jetta doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The G70 Sport Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Jetta doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Consumer Reports rated the G70’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Jetta’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The G70’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Jetta’s headlights are rated “Marginal” to “Poor.”

The Jetta R-Line/SEL Premium’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The G70 3.3T Elite/Prestige/Sport’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The G70’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Volkswagen charges extra for heated mirrors on the Jetta.

When the G70 3.3T/Elite/Prestige/Sport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Jetta’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The G70’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Jetta offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The G70 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Jetta SE/R-Line/SEL/SEL Premium.

Both the G70 and the Jetta offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the G70 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Jetta doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Recommendations

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its January 2019 issue and they ranked the Genesis G70 Standard first. They ranked the Volkswagen Jetta S third.

The G70 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2019. The Jetta has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

Motor Trend selected the G70 as their 2019 Car of the Year. The Jetta has never been chosen.