After more than a half-century, the Toyota Corolla is still going strong. The practical and reliable compact car continues to be the world’s best-selling model. Another longtime compact car stalwart is the Volkswagen Jetta. Which one is better? Find out in this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta compact car death battle.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

For the 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta battle, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, reliability, warranty coverage, and price. The Jetta is available in only a sedan model, while the Corolla offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Performance and efficiency

Which compact car is better for performance and efficiency? The 2022 Toyota Corolla offers three powertrains: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 hp), a 2.0-liter cylinder engine (168 hp), and a hybrid (121 hp). In comparison, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta only offers a 158-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. 

Buyers of the Corolla and Jetta have a choice of either an automatic or manual transmission. Neither compact car offers an all-wheel drive system.

For efficiency, the gas-powered Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, while the Jetta has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 city/41 highway mpg. However, the Corolla Hybrid has an estimated fuel efficiency of 52 city/53 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Safety

The Corolla has the advantage for safety. Unlike the Jetta, the Corolla earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Also, while all Corolla models come standard with rear-side airbags, the Jetta doesn’t offer rear-side airbags for any of its trims.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Passenger and cargo space

The Jetta has a compact car classification, but it has the roominess of a midsize sedan. The total passenger volume of the Jetta is 94.7 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

For storage space, Jetta has a trunk cargo capacity of 14.1 cu-ft, compared to 13.1 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan. However, the Corolla Hatchback has a maximum cargo capacity of 23.0 cu-ft.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Interior features and technologies

Overall, the Jetta cabin is more upscale and refined compared to the Corolla. It has a premium look and feel that one might not expect to see for the compact car segment. Also, unlike the Corolla, the Jetta offers a heated steering wheel, an electrochromic rearview mirror, a dual-zone climate control system, and HD Radio. Both compact cars offer a sunroof.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Reliability and warranty coverage

What compact car is more reliable: the 2022 Corolla or 2022 Jetta? For the Consumer Reports reliability rating, the Jetta received the lowest-possible 1 out of 5 score. In comparison, the Corolla earned an “average” 3 out of 5 score. 

For warranty coverage, the Corolla has the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Jetta has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Corolla vs. Jetta: Price

What compact car costs more: the 2022 Corolla or 2022 Jetta? The starting price of the 2022 Corolla ranges from $20,175 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,460 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Jetta ranges from $20,195 MSRP for the 1.5T S trim up to $27,797 for the 1.5T SEL trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta: Which compact car is better?

For the 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta compact car death battle, neither compact car came out on top. Each vehicle has different advantages. For the 2022 Corolla, advantages include base engine horsepower, hybrid efficiency, safety, hatchback cargo capacity, reliability, and basic warranty coverage. Advantages for the Jetta include maximum horsepower, passenger space, trunk cargo capacity, interior features and technologies, and powertrain warranty coverage.