Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla 2022: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota Corolla are two of the most popular sedans on the market. Both models offer a range of features, amenities, and powertrain options. But which one is the better option for those looking for a reliable and affordable sedan?

In this blog post, we’ll compare the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla to help you decide which sedan is the right choice for you.

What is The Main Difference Between Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla?

When comparing the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla, there are many differences to consider. The Corolla offers an available hybrid engine option that provides excellent fuel economy.

When it comes to performance, the Corolla has up to 169 horsepower, while the Jetta is expected to only have up to 158 horsepower. Both sedans have multiple transmission options, but only the Corolla comes standard with a CVT.

The Corolla is slightly larger in terms of Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla size, which could be a factor if you’re looking for more interior space.

As far as reliability goes, both cars offer great Jetta vs Corolla reliability ratings and are likely to have low maintenance costs in the long run.

When it comes to corolla vs Jetta gas mileage, the Corolla again offers slightly better ratings, though both cars can provide great fuel efficiency.

Safety is another big consideration, and both the Jetta and Corolla offer great Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota corolla safety ratings.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of interior comfort and overall value.

Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs BMW X5

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2022 Corolla and Jetta are neck-and-neck. Just take a look at the starting MSRPs for each trim:

The base model 2022 Toyota Corolla L is $21,450 while the entry-level Volkswagen Jetta S is $21,460. If you’re looking for something a bit higher in the range, the mid-level Corolla SE is $23,900, compared to the Sport trim of the Jetta at $22,360.

For those looking for a higher-end model, the top-of-the-range XSE for the Corolla and SEL for the Jetta both start at $27,350 and $29,190 respectively.

Maintenance costs will also be similar between both cars and safety ratings are strong for both models as well. Both the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla are generally inexpensive.

The average cost of a regular oil change for the Jetta is around $50-$60, while it’s slightly less for the Corolla at $45-$55.

Overall, when taking into account all of these factors, it’s clear that there is little difference between these two cars in terms of maintenance costs.

Both are reasonably priced and offer good value for money. So when it comes down to it, choosing between the Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla largely depends on your needs and budget.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When it comes to engine, transmission, and performance, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta beats the Toyota Corolla hands down. Its unbeatable German engineering makes the Jetta the superior car in terms of performance.

Every Jetta powers the front wheels with a turbocharged, 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but you can upgrade to an eight-speed automatic transmission if you’d like. In speed tests, the Jetta went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

The Corolla sedan is equipped with a 139-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission.

If you want a bit more power, you can upgrade to the SE or XSE model for a 169-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Although the upgraded engine makes the Corolla feel slightly more lively, it simply cannot match Jetta’s refined ride quality.

The Jetta also has an edge in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency, which can make all the difference when it comes to long-term maintenance costs and gas mileage on the highway.

Read also: Volkswagen T Roc vs BMW X1

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

When it comes to gas mileage, the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla both offer excellent fuel economy. The Corolla has an edge here with a rating of 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the Jetta manages 29/39 mpg.

Despite the slight difference in numbers, both vehicles will provide a good amount of efficiency during your daily commute.

In terms of real-world performance, the Corolla is likely to be slightly better due to its smaller size compared to the Jetta, but that gap is likely to be very small.

Both cars also have relatively low maintenance costs and are reliable vehicles overall. In terms of safety, both cars come standard with a good set of safety features including airbags, ABS, traction control, and more.

Exterior Dimensions

When it comes to exterior size, the Volkswagen Jetta outmatches the Toyota Corolla. The Jetta is roughly four inches longer than the Corolla, allowing for added room throughout the cabin.

Additionally, the Jetta has a slightly larger width than the Corolla, giving it a more commanding presence on the road.

When comparing the headroom in the front of both cars, the Jetta beats out the Corolla with 38.5 inches to 38.3 inches, respectively.

These differences in size can be key when looking at reliability, interior space, gas mileage, and even safety.

Those looking for added comfort should opt for the Jetta as its dimensions allow for more legroom for passengers and greater storage space for cargo.

The larger size of the Jetta may also mean higher maintenance costs compared to the Corolla. Ultimately, those considering the Jetta vs. Corolla size should think about their needs before making a decision.

Read also: Volkswagen Atlas vs BMW X3

Interior, and Comfort

When it comes to interior space and comfort, there is a clear difference between the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla. The Jetta is larger than the Corolla and offers more interior room and cargo capacity.

The Volkswagen Jetta also has a more sophisticated look and feel to its cabin, with premium materials and amenities such as a heated steering wheel, an electrochromic rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, and HD Radio. It also offers a sunroof, which the Corolla does as well.

When comparing the Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla size, it is clear that the Jetta is the winner in terms of interior space.

However, the Corolla is known for its reliability, so the Jetta vs Corolla reliability debate may come down to personal preference.

Infotainment

When it comes to infotainment-focused technology, there is no clear winner between the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla.

Both cars are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Plus, you’ll enjoy a mobile hotspot and optional wireless charging in either car.

When it comes to safety-driven technology, the Corolla has a slight edge. It offers a longer list of standard driver assistance features, such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Jetta, on the other hand, has forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard features. If you want adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher trim level.

Overall, both the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla offer great infotainment technology and driver assistance features.

So it really comes down to which one best fits your needs in terms of reliability, interior space, gas mileage, maintenance cost, and safety.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When comparing the Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla safety, both models have an impressive range of active driver-assistance features, such as lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control.

The Corolla has been rated five stars in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Jetta has been awarded four stars.

Both models also come with additional safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automated emergency braking.

The Corolla has a wider range of standard active safety tech, but the Jetta offers a more advanced system with options like lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.

When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Jetta is slightly larger than the Corolla, giving it more interior space and better gas mileage.

The Jetta also offers slightly lower maintenance costs, which may be an important factor when considering both models.

Read also: Volkswagen Golf vs BMW 1-Series

Final Verdict

When considering the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta versus the 2022 Toyota Corolla, there are several factors to consider. In terms of size, the Jetta is larger than the Corolla, offering more interior space and a bigger trunk.

It also offers improved fuel economy and lower maintenance costs than the Corolla, so you can expect to save on gas and upkeep over the long run.

When it comes to safety, both cars offer an impressive array of driver-assistance technologies, but the Jetta comes standard with more features. In addition, the Jetta provides better performance and a more refined feel inside and out.

When it comes down to it, we have to recommend the Jetta for its superior combination of value, performance, fuel economy, interior space, and overall refinement.

The only downside is that it will cost a bit more upfront than the Corolla, but in the end, you’ll be rewarded with a car that’s sure to keep you satisfied for years to come.

RELATED: