Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla

    By Autolist Editorial | October 19 2018

    2018 Toyota Corolla

    2018 Volkswagen Jetta

    Automotive Website Analyzed


    96%

    The Best

    You should buy it

    -%

    _

    Not available

    Our User's Take

    What owners think


    92%

    Would Buy Again

    13 Ratings

    100%

    Would Buy Again

    3 Ratings

    What’s better about the Jetta?

    More power. The Jetta comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower, compared to the 132-horsepower on the standard 1.8-liter (non-turbo) engine inside the Corolla. The Jetta also offers an optional 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower.

    Better handling. The Jetta -- by way of its German heritage -- generally handles better than the Corolla, according to a consensus of automotive reviewers. Neither of the two is a sportscar, but the Jetta lets you have some everyday fun.

    More cargo room. It’s not a huge advantage but it helps: the Jetta has about 20 percent more space in the trunk than the Corolla does.


    What’s better about the Corolla?

    It’s more reliable. Consumer Reports gives the 2018 Corolla a much higher reliability rating than its Volkswagen Jetta counterpart (5/5 for the Corolla versus ⅖ for the Jetta). This goes a long way toward peace of mind during ownership.

    Safety. The 2018 Corolla comes standard with active safety features like pre-collision braking and alerts with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert and steering assist and adaptive cruise control. AND it’s rated a Top Safety Pick by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Jetta doesn’t have such a rating from the IIHS nor does it come standard with this safety gear.

    More passenger space. If you’ll be using the rear seats regularly, consider that the Corolla has several inches additional legroom versus the Jetta.


    Autolist’s take:

    The Jetta’s German engineering is a nice touch in a price-conscious segment like this. And the Jetta’s more powerful engines, better handling and extra cargo space are all appreciated. But we’re swayed by the reliability, safety and passenger space of the Corolla; all three are hugely important in a vehicle of any size. So we say Buy the Corolla.

    Cost of Ownership

    2018 Toyota Corolla

    2018 Volkswagen Jetta

    Annual Fuel Costs

    $1,705
    15k miles at $3.41/gal
    $1,888
    15k miles at $3.399/gal
    Fuel Economy

    27 mpg (miles per gallon)
    City
    24 mpg (miles per gallon)
    City
    35 mpg (miles per gallon)
    Highway
    33 mpg (miles per gallon)
    Highway

    Safety

    2018 Toyota Corolla

    2018 Volkswagen Jetta

    NHTSA Crash Test Results

    5 star
    Overall
    5 star
    Overall
    Safety Features

    Standard
    Autonomous Braking
    Available
    Autonomous Braking
    -
    Blind-Spot Warnings
    Available
    Blind-Spot Warnings
    Standard
    Adaptive Cruise Control
    Standard
    Adaptive Cruise Control
    Standard
    Lane-Keep Assist
    -
    Lane-Keep Assist
    -
    Cross-Traffic Alert
    Available
    Cross-Traffic Alert

    Interior

    2018 Toyota Corolla

    2018 Volkswagen Jetta

    Interior Features

    Available
    Leather
    Available
    Leather
    Available
    Moonroof
    Available
    Moonroof
    Available
    Heated Seats
    Available
    Heated Seats
    Available
    Keyless Entry
    Available
    Keyless Entry
    Available
    Climate Control
    Available
    Climate Control
    Technology

    -
    Apple Carplay
    Available
    Apple Carplay
    -
    Android Auto
    Available
    Android Auto
    Available
    Satellite Radio
    Available
    Satellite Radio
    Standard
    Bluetooth
    Standard
    Bluetooth
    Available
    Navigation System
    Available
    Navigation System

    Under the Hood

    2018 Toyota Corolla

    2018 Volkswagen Jetta

    Powertrain

    7-Speed Shiftable CVT
    Transmission
    5-Speed Manual
    Transmission
    FWD
    Drivetrain
    FWD
    Drivetrain
    Drivetrain

    132+ HP @ 6000 RPM
    Horsepower
    150+ HP @ 5000 RPM
    Horsepower
    128+ lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
    Torque
    184+ lb-ft @ 1400 RPM
    Torque
    I4
    Cylinders
    I4
    Cylinders