Volkswagen Jetta Vs. Toyota Corolla: 2024 Sedan Comparison
When you're in the market for a new sedan, comparing the Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla is a great place to start. Both sedans have been popular and well-loved by drivers everywhere for generations, so how do you decide which one is right for you?
In this comparison guide, we take the cover off the specs, dimensions, and features of the VW Jetta and Toyota Corolla to help you make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2024 Toyota Corolla at a Glance
2024 Volkswagen Jetta
- The Jetta offers more front and rear headroom and rear legroom for passengers.
- The Jetta boasts 94.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume – 6.1 more cubic feet than the Corolla.
- Despite being a larger sedan, the Jetta achieves 41 highway MPG,1 which is the same as the Toyota Corolla.
- The Jetta comes with four well-equipped trim levels, all powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Drivers enjoy the choice between a rarely offered six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.
- The VW model offers more standard features like heated seats, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and more.
2024 Toyota Corolla
- The Corolla has a very slightly better City/Combined MPG rating compared to the Jetta.
- Drivers get less interior and trunk space for passengers and cargo.
- The Corolla offers fewer standard comfort, tech, and safety features compared to the VW Jetta.
- All gasoline-powered models are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a CVT.
- The Corolla lineup includes four hybrid models with the same trim levels as the gas lineup.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla: Specs
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| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta S | 2024 Toyota Corolla LE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Horsepower | 158 | 169 |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 30 / 41 / 34 MPG1 | 32 / 41 / 35 MPG2 |
The Jetta vs. Corolla specs comparison shows two capable sedans with similar performance specs.
When comparing the base models, the VW Jetta stands out with the six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission options and the 41 highway MPG.1
In fact, in the Jetta vs. Corolla comparison, the Jetta and the Toyota Corolla provide the same EPA-estimated highway MPG, with the 2024 Corolla achieving the same 41 highway MPG.2
One major difference between the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla sedan lineups is the optional manual transmission in the VW model. The manual transmission – or "stick shift," as it's often fondly called – is a rarity in today's automotive world. Those who love more control over their vehicles are drawn to manual-transmission cars, and the Volkswagen brand is one of the very few keeping the tradition going.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla: Trim Levels
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta arrives on the scene with four well-appointed trim levels:
- Volkswagen Jetta S
- Volkswagen Jetta Sport
- Volkswagen Jetta SE
- Volkswagen Jetta SEL
The 2025 VW Jetta lineup offers the same trim lineup as the 2024 model year. If you're after the very latest, explore our 2025 VW Jetta deals to find your favorite today.
The Toyota Corolla has four gas-powered models to choose from:
- Toyota Corolla LE
- Toyota Corolla SE
- Toyota Corolla Nightshade
- Toyota Corolla XSE
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla: Size & Dimensions
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| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | 2024 Toyota Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 186.5 in | 182.5 in |
| Width | 70.8 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 57.7 in | 56.5 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 14.1 cu ft | 13.1 cu ft |
| Headroom (front / rear) | 38.5 / 37.2 in | 38.3 / 37.1 in |
| Legroom (front / rear) | 41.1 / 37.4 in | 42 / 34.8 in |
| Passenger Volume | 94.7 cu ft | 88.6 cu ft |
When it comes to interior and exterior dimensions, the Volkswagen Jetta has the upper hand when compared to the Toyota Corolla.
The Jetta is 4 inches longer than the Corolla, and that extra 4 inches allows for more passenger and cargo space inside the sedan. Passengers in the VW Jetta enjoy more front and rear headroom and more rear legroom, plus an additional cubic foot of trunk space for groceries, gear, and more.
For drivers who prioritize comfort on daily drives and longer journeys, the spacious interior of the Volkswagen Jetta makes all the difference. With almost 6 more cubic feet of passenger volume, everyone can enjoy more space to get comfortable, which makes longer journeys more relaxed. If interior space is a deciding factor, the 2024 VW Jetta is ideal.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla: Fuel Efficiency
If you look back to the specs chart, you'll see very similar fuel efficiency numbers for the Jetta and Corolla sedans. The automatic-transmission VW Jetta achieves an EPA-estimated 30/41/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the Toyota Corolla achieves an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
When comparing the City and Combined MPG for the Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta fuel efficiency, the Corolla has the tiniest MPG advantage over the Jetta, likely due to the Corolla sedan's smaller size. If you prioritize interior space, that is a small trade-off for the more spacious interior of the VW Jetta.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla: Interior Features & Comfort
Volkswagen Jetta Features
Starting with the base model, the VW Jetta S equips advanced essential features like an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cloth seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Rear View Camera System, and many safety features. Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Lane Assist and Travel Assist
- Pedestrian Monitoring
The Volkswagen Jetta Sport adds features like heated front seats, Sports comfort front seats, and stainless steel pedal caps.
The VW Jetta SE adds dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access with push-button start, V-Tex leatherette seating, and more.
The VW Jetta SEL is the top-of-the-line trim, and it offers heated and ventilated leather seating, a BeatsAudio® premium audio system, wireless device charging, a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row outboard seats.
Toyota Corolla Features
The base LE model is equipped with features like fabric-trimmed seats, a backup camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
Standard Toyota safety features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which offers a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and more.
As you ascend the Corolla trims, more features like Sof-Tex-trimmed heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless device charging, and more become available.
The VW Jetta offers Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as a standard feature, whereas the Corolla only offers it standard on the XSE trim or as an upgrade for other models.
To sum it up, both the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla offer many features and amenities, but the new VW Jetta provides more premium features, even in the entry-level Jetta S model. The Jetta has more standard comfort and safety features plus more interior space, making it a superior choice for drivers seeking a blend of comfort and technology.
Buy a New Volkswagen Jetta at Wallace Volkswagen of Kingsport
If you're ready to elevate your everyday drive, come meet the new VW Jetta for sale at our Volkswagen dealership. This sedan provides drivers with more of the things they want when compared to the Toyota Corolla.
If you want more standard comfort and safety features, great fuel efficiency, and plenty of interior space, the Volkswagen Jetta is waiting for you. Contact us today to learn more about the VW Jetta lineup or for help finding the right trim model for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sedan offers better fuel economy, the VW Jetta or the Toyota Corolla?
The VW Jetta and Toyota Corolla have very similar fuel efficiency specs in their base models. The VW Jetta S achieves an EPA-estimated 30/41/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the Toyota Corolla achieves an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2 Both sedans offer 41 highway MPG,1,2 with the Corolla holding a slight advantage with City and Combined MPG.
Which car has more available trims and customization options, the Volkswagen Jetta or the Toyota Corolla?
Both the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and 2024 Toyota Corolla gas-powered lineup have four trim levels to choose from. The Volkswagen Jetta comes with more standard features like standard heated seats, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and more. The Toyota Corolla provides these amenities as available upgrade options or as standard features on higher trims. Contact us to learn more about the VW Jetta today.
How do the technology and infotainment systems compare between the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla?
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display and an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit driver information display, while the 2024 Toyota Corolla has an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Display. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities, with wireless connection capabilities for both sedans. Both vehicles also offer SiriusXM® satellite radio trials.
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130 city/41 highway /34 combined mpg (2024 VW Jetta 1.5-liter four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.