Toyota Corolla vs. Volkswagen Jetta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Corolla and 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 Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta.

In comparing the Toyota Corolla's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Corolla's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla is a better car than the Volkswagen Jetta.

Pricing: For a new model, the Toyota Corolla's price is between $24,034 and $29,050, with the Volkswagen Jetta priced between $22,865 and $30,186.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Corolla loses 31.3 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Jetta loses 40.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla retains 8.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 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 6 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 9 out of 31.

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 Toyota Corolla’s base engine makes 169 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 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 Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta

2026 Toyota Corolla
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Toyota Corolla for Sale

2025 Volkswagen Jetta
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Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

24034 - 29050

Starting MSRP:

22725

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

25166

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

22725 - 27795

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

22865 - 30186

Starting MSRP:

22995

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

28470

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

21590 - 47100

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

Price Range:

-

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

27845

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

27845 - 27845

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

23083

Price Range:

19997 - 27587

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

30314

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

22070 - 52316

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

7318

Depreciation %:

0.3220387

Resale Value $:

15407

Residual Value %:

0.6779613

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.30390054

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.28391798 - 0.41895823

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

9380

Depreciation %:

0.40791786

Resale Value $:

13615

Residual Value %:

0.59208214

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3979908

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.31796157 - 0.42854561

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 Toyota Corolla

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

11.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

15.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

11.8 - 16.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.184

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

12.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

8.8 - 16.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.067



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

Typical Category Recalls:

N/A

Category Range for Recalls:

N/A

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.0292701540362343

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.8 - 28.7

Toyota Corolla Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $25k

4 / 10

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

5 / 31

Most Affordable Small Cars

5 / 21

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

5 / 10

Best Family Small Cars

6 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

6 / 31

Best Small Cars

6 / 31

Best Small Cars for Teens

6 / 7

Most Reliable Small Cars

7 / 31

Safest Small Cars

7 / 31

Best Small Cars for the Money

7 / 21

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

17 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

19 / 31

Most Comfortable Small Cars

24 / 31

Best Small Cars for Tall People

25 / 31

Volkswagen Jetta Rankings

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

3 / 10

Most Reliable Small Cars

5 / 31

Best Small Cars for the Money

5 / 21

Best Small Cars Under $25k

5 / 10

Most Affordable Small Cars

6 / 21

Best Family Small Cars

7 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

7 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

7 / 31

Best Small Cars

9 / 31

Safest Small Cars

10 / 31

Best Small Cars for Tall People

19 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

21 / 31

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

22 / 31

Most Comfortable Small Cars

27 / 31

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Toyota Corolla Trim Levels

LE, SE, XSE

Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels

S, SE, SEL, Sport

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

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

169 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque:

151 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.057 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.052 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 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):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


29 / 39 / 33

Range (city/hwy):

371 / 499 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

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

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

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

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

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:

2955 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:

3012 lbs

Width:

80.2 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

186.5 inches

Wheelbase:

105.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P205/55R16

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Celestite / Underground

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Silver

Classic Silver Metallic

White

Ice Cap / Wind Chill Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Monterey Blue Pearl

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Red

Not available

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

White

Pure White

Interior Colors

Beige

Macadamia/Mocha

Black

Black

Gray

Light Gray

Interior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Titan Black

Gray

Storm Gray

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