Article Highlights:

• The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta has a more affordable starting price for the base model ($21,360) than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($22,190). 
• Although the Jetta is more efficient at highway speeds, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback edges out the Volkswagen Jetta by just two mpg overall. Neither car offers a hybrid option. 
• While both cars are quick, efficient, and safe, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is noisy and unrefined compared to the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is an exciting option for compact car shoppers. Instead of a traditional small sedan, owners could have a five-door hatchback. That seems like a utility no-brainer, right? Maybe not. The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is a Corolla Hatchback competitor and an example of a compact sedan that works— so given a choice between a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and a 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, which car should you get? 

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta has a cheaper starting price than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, but that’s just the beginning

The base model Jetta, the S, has a starting price of $21,360. Consumers get Volkswagen’s digital cockpit and standard safety features like automatic emergency braking for that money. However, Consumer Reports found the S trim’s interior to be a bit austere compared to the next step up SEL trim. If you want to stretch to a much plusher and better-equipped Jetta, an SEL will cost you around $29,090. 

On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has a higher starting price than the Volkswagen Jetta S. A new Corolla Hatchback starts at $22,190. However, with only three trims available, the top-tier XSE has a starting cost of $25,140. Don’t let that dissuade you from buying a Jetta, though. The Jetta is available in five trims with increasing sportiness and comfort. Furthermore, purchasing a top-of-the-line 228-horsepower Jetta GLI Autobahn will run you around $32,290.

Both cars are efficient, but neither offers a hybrid powertrain

If you thought you’d just buy the hatchback because it is way more efficient or offers a hybrid, you’d be wrong. The cars are separated by just two mpg overall. Specifically, the Corolla Hatchback achieves 24 mpg in the city and 51 mpg at highway speeds. Compared to the Jetta’s 21 mpg city and 54 mpg highway, the two compact cars are very evenly matched. 

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is noisier and less refined than the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 

Consumer Reports is quick to celebrate the Jetta’s fuel efficiency relative to its size. That size has a practical use, though. The Volkswagen Jetta has a roomy, usable interior. Additionally, the Volkswagen Jetta’s cabin is a drama-free environment with excellent noise mitigation. Also, the interior features quality materials and impressive build quality for the price point. 

Conversely, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback lacks interior space, especially in the rear. Furthermore, the ride is harsher than the Jetta. Finally, the Toyota’s cabin is noisier and less pleasant than the Volkswagen’s. 

Consumers should choose the Volkswagen Jetta over the Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Consumer Reports gives the Volkswagen Jetta a recommendation and a green choice rating. In comparison, the Toyota model secures a green choice rating but no recommendation. Shoppers looking for a stylish, practical compact car should really consider buying a Volkswagen Jetta. Scroll down to the following article to read more about some of the best little cars on the market.