Compare the2023 Lexus ESVS 2023 Volkswagen Jetta

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

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus ES have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Volkswagen Jetta doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Lexus ES has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The ES offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Jetta doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The ES 250 AWD has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Jetta doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The ES’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Jetta.

The ES offers an optional Panoramic View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Jetta only offers a rear monitor.

The ES’ 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 ES and the Jetta have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Lexus ES weighs 701 to 865 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus ES is safer than the Volkswagen Jetta:

	ES	Jetta
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	120	247
Neck Injury Risk	24%	31.7%
Neck Stress	239 lbs.	354 lbs.
Neck Compression	30 lbs.	58 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	33%	41.6%
Neck Compression	62 lbs.	141 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus ES is safer than the Volkswagen Jetta:

	ES	Jetta
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	85	101
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	160 lbs.	188 lbs.
Hip Force	264 lbs.	317 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	300	306
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	541 lbs.	554 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	36 G’s	38 G’s
Hip Force	570 lbs.	627 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus ES is safer than the Jetta:

	ES	Jetta
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.38 in	1.85 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1026 lbs.	1182 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	197	274
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.71 in	1.97 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	379 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.02 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	10 MPH	10 MPH
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the ES is 2.6% less likely to roll over than the Jetta.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the ES the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Jetta last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the ES 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Jetta. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Jetta ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The ES’ corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Jetta’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the ES’ engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Jetta’s camshafts. If the Jetta’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the ES has a 603-amp battery. The Jetta only offers a standard 480-amp battery.

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 Lexus ES Hybrid’s reliability 13 points higher than the Jetta and the Lexus ES is rated 18 points higher than the Jetta.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 73 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volkswagen is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Volkswagen is ranked 23rd.

Engine

The ES 250 AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 45 more horsepower (203 vs. 158) than the Jetta’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The ES 300h’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 57 more horsepower (215 vs. 158) than the Jetta’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The ES 350’s standard 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 144 more horsepower (302 vs. 158) and 83 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. 184) than the Jetta’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the ES gets better mileage than the Jetta:

			MPG
ES
FWD	Auto	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/44 hwy
Jetta
FWD	Manual	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	29 city/42 hwy
	Auto	S 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	31 city/41 hwy
		SE/SEL 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	29 city/40 hwy

The ES can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 1.6 miles. The Jetta can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the ES Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Jetta doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The ES’ standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Jetta (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons).

Transmission

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

The ES 300h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Jetta doesn’t offer a CVT.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the ES F Sport has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The Jetta doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	ES	Jetta
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.3 inches
Rear Rotors	11.1 inches	10.7 inches

The ES stops shorter than the Jetta:

	ES	Jetta
60 to 0 MPH	132 feet	135 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the ES has larger standard tires than the Jetta (215/55R17 vs. 205/60R16). The ES’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Jetta (235/45R18 vs. 205/60R16).

The ES’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Jetta S’ standard 60 series tires. The ES F Sport’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Jetta Sport/SE/SEL’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the ES has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Jetta S. The ES F Sport’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the Jetta Sport/SE/SEL.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Lexus ES 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 ES has standard front gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Jetta’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

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

The ES 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 ES’ wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the Jetta (113 inches vs. 105.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the ES is 2 inches wider in the front and 2.8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Jetta.

Chassis

The ES F Sport uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Jetta doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the ES a Mid-size car, while the Jetta is rated a Compact.

The ES has 5.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Jetta (99.9 vs. 94.7).

The ES has 1.3 inches more front legroom, 2 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 1.8 inches more rear legroom, 2.9 inches more rear hip room and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Jetta.

Cargo Capacity

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the ES easier. The ES’ trunk lift-over height is 27.4 inches, while the Jetta’s liftover is 28.7 inches.

With its sedan body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the ES offers cargo security. The Jetta’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the ES. 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 ES’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Jetta doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The ES 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Volkswagen. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 64% lower rating, Volkswagen is ranked 28th.

Ergonomics

The ES’ optional 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 ES offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning 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.

If the windows are left open on the ES the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Jetta can’t use the remote to operate the windows.

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 ES’ headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Jetta’s headlights are rated “Marginal” to “Poor.”

A power rear sunshade is optional in the ES and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the ES Ultra Luxury to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Jetta doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

When the ES with available tilt-down mirrors 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 ES’ 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 ES 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/SEL.

Both the ES and the Jetta offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the ES 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.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the ES owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the ES with a number “1” insurance rate while the Jetta is rated higher at a number “3” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the ES is less expensive to operate than the Jetta because it costs $54 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the ES than the Jetta, including $289 less for a water pump, $218 less for a muffler, $152 less for a starter, $5 less for fuel injection and $80 less for a fuel pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Lexus ES and the Volkswagen Jetta, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus ES outsold the Volkswagen Jetta by 9% during 2022.

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