2012 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2012 Toyota Corolla and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2012 Toyota Corolla and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
When we compare the 2012 Toyota Corolla's and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Toyota Corolla's and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Toyota Corolla is a better car than the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Pricing: A used 2012 Toyota Corolla ranges from $5,991 to $13,990 while a used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $3,994 to $10,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Toyota Corolla loses 31.3 percent of its value and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Toyota Corolla retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Toyota Corolla is 8.3 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Toyota Corolla being ranked 8 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 18 out of 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Toyota Corolla is 7.8 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Corolla a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Jetta.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2012 Toyota Corolla’s base engine makes 132 horsepower, and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 115 horsepower. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles.This gives the 2012 Toyota Corolla the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2012 Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2012 Toyota Corolla and the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
16130
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
17789
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15200 - 33990
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
15515
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
17789
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15200 - 33990
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
9649
Price Range:
5991 - 13990
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
8006
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
5862 - 14497
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
162
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
126583
# Good or Great Deals:
50
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
7128
Price Range:
3994 - 10995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
8006
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
5862 - 14497
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
178
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
127625
# Good or Great Deals:
63
Toyota Corolla Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Toyota Corolla
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.276713199603158
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.9 - 8.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.199811708696288
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.9 - 8.0
Toyota Corolla Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 37Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
10 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
19 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
28 out of / 37Volkswagen Jetta Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 37Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 37Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 37Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 37Ranking
17 out of / 37Ranking
18 out of / 37Ranking
22 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
24 out of / 37Ranking
27 out of / 37Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
2012 Toyota Corolla Trim Levels
L, LE, S
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
Base, GLI, GLI Autobahn, GLI Autobahn PZEV, GLI PZEV, S, SE, SE PZEV, SEL, SEL Premium, SEL Premium PZEV, SEL PZEV, SportWagen S, SportWagen S PZEV, SportWagen SE, SportWagen SE PZEV, SportWagen TDI, TDI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years / 25000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
128 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
115 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
125 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.041 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
356 / 449 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
348 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Cargo Space:
12.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
92.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.6 inches
Cargo Space:
15.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2734 lbs
Width:
69.4 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
180 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2804 lbs
Width:
70 inches
Height:
57.2 inches
Length:
182.2 inches
Wheelbase:
104.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Beige
Sandy Beach Metallic
Black
Black Sand Pearl
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Barcelona Red Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Brown
Not available
Gold
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black Uni
Blue
Tempest Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Red
Tornado Red
Silver
Moonrock Silver Metallic / Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Candy White
Brown
Toffee Brown Metallic
Gold
White Gold Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Bisque
Gray
Ash
Black
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Latte Macchiato
