Sixt’s SCAR category offers compact sedans with automatic transmissions that balance efficiency, agility, and comfort. Interiors are thoughtfully designed, fuel economy keeps trips affordable, and handling remains composed from city streets to highway lanes. With more space and refinement than basic economy cars, SCAR rentals suit drivers seeking an easy, affordable sedan without giving up comfort or practicality.
Sixt SCAR
Find out which cars are included in the Sixt SCAR category
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VW Jetta
The refreshed Volkswagen Jetta for the US market arrives with a subtle round of updates. You notice the changes most at the front and rear. A full-width light bar, reshaped bumpers and new wheel designs bring the look up to date. Inside, VW has reworked the surfaces and redesigned the dashboard. The changes are understated but definitely noticeable.
Under the hood, the standard Jetta runs a 1.5 liter turbocharged four rated at 158 horsepower and 184 pound feet of torque. It is paired with an eight speed automatic. Depending on the test, zero to sixty comes in anywhere from just over seven seconds to a little more than eight. In everyday driving the engine can feel a bit hesitant when you roll into the throttle lightly but it wakes up when you ask for more. The transmission upshifts early in normal mode which helps fuel economy but takes a bit of the punch out of the acceleration. Top speed is around 126 miles per hour. On the highway we saw just under 40 miles per gallon which is impressive for a sedan of this size.
For those who want more power the Jetta GLI delivers. Its two liter turbo cranks out 228 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. Buyers can choose between a six speed manual or a seven speed dual clutch automatic although in the Sixt rental fleet you will only find the automatic. The GLI feels noticeably sportier yet it still leans toward comfort. The adaptive dampers can sharpen the ride but even in their firmer setting the suspension is tuned more for long distance comfort than maximum cornering grip.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque | 0–60 mph (Manufacturer) | 0–60 mph (Tested) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Jetta 1.5 TSI | 158 hp | 184 lb-ft | approx. 7.1–7.6 sec | 8.4 sec (Edmunds) | approx. 126 mph |
| VW Jetta GLI 2.0 TSI | 228 hp | 258 lb-ft | approx. 6.1 sec (DSG) | approx. 5.6 sec (Hagerty) | approx. 126 mph |
Steering is precise with a reassuring amount of feedback. On back roads the Jetta feels planted and predictable with a clear preference for stability over agility in faster corners. Braking performance is strong and traction is solid in everyday use. Push harder and you will find a hint of understeer at the limit.
You drop into firmly padded seats with solid side bolsters that stay comfortable even after hours behind the wheel. The front row offers generous space with plenty of legroom and headroom. In back, adults up to about six foot one can stretch out without their knees hitting the seat ahead, though the tallest passengers might find headroom a bit tight. The trunk swallows more than 14 cubic feet of cargo, and the low lift-over height makes loading a breeze. The cabin’s clean layout puts the main controls right where you expect them, so everything falls easily to hand.
The base infotainment setup includes an eight inch touchscreen mounted tablet style above the dash. Graphics are sharp and response times are quick for the class. Higher trims swap in a 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster that offers multiple configurable views. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work wirelessly with a stable connection. Most functions are touch based but there are still a few physical buttons for high use features. Wireless phone charging is available and upper trims feature an eight speaker Beats audio system with a clear step up in sound quality. New for this model is a cloud based voice assistant that can handle more complex requests with an optional subscription tapping into a large language model to answer questions or plan routes with extra details. US models can also be equipped with a built in WiFi hotspot that supports multiple devices.
Every Jetta now comes standard with Volkswagen’s full IQ Drive suite of driver assists. The package includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and active lane centering. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are also included. In our testing the systems operated smoothly and consistently. The adaptive cruise in particular works well with the automatic transmission making longer trips far less tiring.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been a global bestseller for decades, synonymous with reliability, efficiency and no-nonsense everyday usability. For the current model year Toyota has kept changes to a minimum and stuck closely to the formula that’s kept loyal customers coming back. It’s a strategy that makes sense for buyers who value proven engineering and fuss-free ownership. But in a market where even small cars now offer punchy engines, massive infotainment screens and sophisticated chassis setups you have to wonder if a cautious update is enough to win over new shoppers.
Pop the hood and you’ll still find the familiar 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, internally called the M20A-FKS. It delivers 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, using a mix of direct and port injection along with variable valve timing. The engine loves to rev but can sound strained when you push the CVT hard. Toyota’s Direct-Shift setup, with a real first gear, eliminates the classic rubber-band feel off the line and makes the car respond more immediately from a stop. You can use paddle shifters for manual control, though they don’t really make the car any faster. According to the EPA, fuel economy comes in at 35 mpg combined, which keeps the Corolla near the top of its class for efficiency.
| Model | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph (Manufacturer) | 0–60 mph (Tested) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 2.0 | 169 hp | 151 lb-ft | approx. 8.4–8.5 sec | approx. 8.4 sec (estimated, similar to Edmunds) | approx. 118 mph |
| Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2.0 | 169 hp | 151 lb-ft | approx. 8.2–8.4 sec | 8.2 sec (Car and Driver) | approx. 118 mph |
In base LE trim the Corolla rides on a simple torsion-beam rear axle that delivers a smooth comfortable ride but runs out of composure in faster corners. The SE swaps in a multi-link setup for noticeably better stability and precision. The special-edition FX goes further with a lower ride height and firmer tuning. That makes it a little stiff over potholes in the city but pays off on twisty back roads. The electric power steering is light and easy to manage around town though it doesn’t offer the same road feel you get from some sportier rivals at higher speeds.
Toyota keeps things straightforward with a clean layout and no unnecessary gimmicks. Materials feel solid though far from premium. Front seats are comfortable with plenty of adjustment. Rear space is just enough for adults to manage longer trips without too much complaint. The sedan’s trunk holds 13.1 cubic feet which is par for the compact class. The hatchback offers up to 23 cubic feet with the seats folded making it the better choice for hauling bigger items.
All Corollas now come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes adaptive cruise control lane keeping assist with steering support automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection road sign recognition and automatic high beams. In day-to-day driving the system works smoothly and only steps in when needed. On rare occasions it can be overly cautious such as when approaching stationary cars but overall it adds to the sense of security.
The LE gets an 8-inch touchscreen while SE and above move up to a 10.5-inch display. The interface is intuitive and menus are easy to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with multiple USB-C ports. Cloud-based navigation and remote vehicle access are available though those connected services usually require a subscription after the trial period. The graphics lean more toward functional than flashy which fits the Corolla’s personality putting practicality ahead of style.