2021 Toyota Corolla vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Toyota Corolla and 2021 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 2021 Toyota Corolla and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta.
In comparing the 2021 Toyota Corolla's and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Toyota Corolla's and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the 2021 Toyota Corolla.
Pricing: A used 2021 Toyota Corolla ranges from $14,296 to $23,486 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $13,883 to $21,921.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Toyota Corolla loses 31.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Corolla retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Corolla’s base engine makes 139 horsepower, and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 147 horsepower. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. The Jetta is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 554 miles. This gives the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Toyota Corolla and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20025
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
21197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15295 - 28695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
18995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
21197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
15295 - 28695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18621
Price Range:
14296 - 23486
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
19841
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11819 - 28783
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1064
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
66022
# Good or Great Deals:
401
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
17851
Price Range:
13883 - 21921
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
19841
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
11819 - 28783
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
386
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49704
# Good or Great Deals:
143
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 2021 Toyota Corolla
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.184
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
4.8 - 13.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.067
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3597652578326036
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 12.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.589774581041572
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.1 - 12.4
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
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Toyota Corolla Trim Levels
L, LE, SE, SE Apex, SE Nightshade Edition, XLE, XSE, XSE Apex
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels
R-Line, S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 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:
5 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:
139 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
126 foot-lbs @ 3900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 1400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 38 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
396 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 41 / 34
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 554 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Cargo Space:
13.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
88.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
14.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2910 lbs
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2895 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.6 inches
Length:
185.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sand Pearl
Gray
Celestite Gray Metallic
Silver
Classic Silver Metallic
White
Super White
Blue
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Uni / Deep Black Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Blue
Silk Blue Metallic
Orange
Habanero Orange Metallic
Red
Tornado Red
Interior Colors
Gray
Light Gray/Moonstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Storm Gray
Black
Titan Black
