If you’re shopping for a reliable sedan to transform your commutes in El Monte, California, the Lexus ES and the Volkswagen Jetta should be at the top of your list. The luxury-oriented Lexus ES stands out for its incredible performance, smooth drive quality, and upscale interior. The VW Jetta delivers remarkable fuel economy, agile handling, and a more affordable price tag.
With each model offering unique advantages, deciding which one to buy can be, understandably, daunting. In this car spec comparison, our sedan experts at Longo Lexus evaluate them across key areas to help you make the right pick.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The 2025 Lexus ES offers three powertrain choices across its trim lineup to accommodate different driving preferences. The base Lexus ES 250 AWD is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, also standard on ES 250 variants such as the ES 250 Luxury AWD and the ES 250 Ultra Luxury AWD, is paired with a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus ES 300h and its variants are powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid engine that produces a net combined 215 horsepower. This powerplant pairs with an electronic continuously variable transmission and standard front-wheel drive. Also available for the 2025 Lexus ES is a 3.5-liter V-6, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Standard on ES 350 models and the Black Line Special Edition, this engine is paired with an eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive system.
For the 2025 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta continues to offer two powertrain options. Its standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a maximum output of 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The performance-oriented VW Jetta GLI comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, cranking out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, although an eight-speed automatic transmission is also available.
While the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta’s engines deliver excellent fuel economy, they are no match for the Lexus ES’s hybrid powertrain. ES models equipped with this engine achieve EPA-estimated ratings of 43 city mpg and 44 highway mpg. In comparison, VW Jetta models fitted with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder are rated at 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Jetta GLI’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder gets slightly lower fuel economy ratings of 26 city mpg and 36 highway mpg with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
Interior Design and Comfort
Both the Lexus ES and the VW Jetta have spacious cabins that seat five people. However, the Lexus has a slight advantage in passenger comfort, thanks to its greater legroom. It offers 42.4 inches of legroom in the front row and 39.2 inches in the rear. By comparison, the Jetta provides 41.1 inches of legroom in the front row and 37.4 inches in the rear.
Lower Lexus ES models, such as the ES 250 AWD and ES 350, come with perforated NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery. All other models feature quilted semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, which enhance the cabin’s premium look. The Lexus ES also offers numerous comfort amenities to make your commutes in Los Angeles unforgettable. Standard and available features, depending on the trim, include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta lacks the luxury flourishes found in the Lexus ES. However, it still delivers a practical cabin with a decent number of comfort features, particularly on the higher-end trims. The base S and Sport models feature cloth-trimmed seats, while the mid-tier SEL comes with synthetic leather upholstery. The top-tier SEL and GLI models are the only ones to feature genuine leather seating. Other luxuries you’ll find in the higher 2025 Jetta trims include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a sunroof.
Technology and Infotainment
All your Lexus ES in-vehicle tech runs on either the 8.0- or 12.3-inch Lexus Interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide wireless connectivity to your favorite apps, podcasts, and navigation information. Each Lexus ES also comes with a 10-speaker premium sound system so you can enjoy your favorite playlists while on the move. However, we recommend upgrading to the optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system to elevate your El Monte commutes with theater-quality sound.
Volkswagen equips lower Jetta models with a floating 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the top trim gets a larger 10.25-inch display. Both feature wireless smartphone integration capabilities, so you can easily connect your device to the infotainment system. Most models have a four- or six-speaker factory audio system. However, the top-tier trim comes with an eight-speaker Beats Audio system for a more immersive listening experience.
Driver Assistance Technology Comparison
Every Lexus ES comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This safety system integrates various technologies to enhance your alertness as you hurtle through the busy Interstate 10. They include:
- A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Automatic high beams
- Road sign assist
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
The Volkswagen Jetta’s IQ. Drive also offers various autonomous-driving technologies to improve confidence behind the wheel. Its standard driver assistance features include:
- Travel assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active blind spot monitor
- Rear traffic alert
- Emergency Assist
- Front assist
- Lane assist
Exterior Design and Styling
The Lexus ES has the sleek, modern exterior styling you would expect from a luxury sedan of its calibre. Its sharp lines and soft curves give it an athletic stance, while its bold front grille and elegant LED headlamps lend the front end a futuristic look.
While the 2025 VW Jetta is far from a luxury vehicle, its redesigned grille and headlights imbue it with a sporty aesthetic that is guaranteed to draw attention. A distinctive Jetta badge has also been integrated into the rear lighting bar, giving the rear end a visually striking appearance.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Although the 2025 VW Jetta and the Lexus ES are both compelling choices in the increasingly shrinking sedan market, the latter ultimately gets our vote. The Lexus ES not only offers superior engine choices, but it also comes with more premium comfort amenities and better in-cabin tech overall.
Still unsure whether the Lexus ES is the sedan for you? Contact us today to schedule a test drive and get acquainted with its remarkable features.
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