VS
At a Glance
Power
169hp @ 6600
228hp @ 6500
Torque
151lb-ft @ 4400
258lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
36 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Toyota Corolla delivers 169hp @ 6600 while the Volkswagen Jetta produces 228hp @ 6500. On fuel, the Corolla returns 36 mpg est. while the Jetta uses 31 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $23,125 for the Corolla and $33,745 for the Jetta. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Toyota CorollaLE CVT (Natl) 2026 - From $23,125
Volkswagen JettaAutobahn Manual 2026 - From $33,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
169hp @ 6600
228hp @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft)
151lb-ft @ 4400
258lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Manual w/OD
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
31 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
32mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
41mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.5in
186.9in
Width (in)
70.1in
70.8in
Height (in)
56.5in
57.3in
Wheelbase (in)
106.3in
105.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2955lbs
3241lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Jetta
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($23,125)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Jetta
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (31 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Corolla or Jetta?
The Corolla gets 36 mpg est. and the Jetta gets 31 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Corolla or Jetta?
The Corolla produces 169hp @ 6600 and 151lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the Jetta delivers 228hp @ 6500 and 258lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Jetta is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Corolla and Jetta?
The Corolla starts from $23,125 and the Jetta from $33,745. The Corolla is cheaper by $10,620 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Corolla or the Jetta?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider