With their typically lower price tag, compact sedans are a popular choice for budget-minded car shoppers. One of the leading choices for the segment is the Volkswagen Jetta, with its fun-to-drive nature, refined interior, advanced technologies and generous warranty coverage. See how the new Jetta favorably stacks up against the compact car competition in this 2018 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2018 Toyota Corolla comparison.
A major advantage that the Jetta has over the Corolla is for performance, especially with a range of engine options. The base engine for the Jetta is the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates 150-hp and an estimated fuel economy of 28 city/40 hwy. In comparison, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the Corolla — which is the only engine offered for the vehicle — only produces 132 – 140-hp, depending on the grade. For drivers looking for more power, the 2018 Jetta also offers a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine — and in the high-performance Jetta GLI — a 210-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
2018 Volkswagen Jetta | VS | 2018 Toyota Corolla |
1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder | Engine Options | 1.8-liter four-cylinder |
150 (1.4L); 180 (1.8L); 210 (2.0L) | Horsepower | 132 – 140 |
15.5 cu-ft | Trunk Volume | 13.0 cu-ft |
6-years/72,000-miles Bumper to Bumper | Warranty Coverage | 3-years/36,000-miles basic; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain |
Another advantage of the 2018 Jetta is its spacious and refined interior. There's plenty of room for five passengers, including a generous 38.1 inches of legroom for the rear seat passengers. With its trunk volume of 15.5 cu-ft and 60/40 split-fold rear seats, you can load up many items for your excursions. In comparison, the 2018 Corolla has a trunk volume of only 13.0 cu-ft. You and your passengers can also enjoy the Jetta's many standard and available premium features, including a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, the MIB II infotainment system and the Fender Premium Audio System.
A pleasing upgrade for the 2018 Jetta is its new "People First" warranty coverage, which is a 6-years/72,000-miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This includes all vehicle components, including the powertrain. In comparison, the 2018 Corolla only comes with a 3-years/36,000-miles basic, 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain warranty. Also, unlike the warranty for the Corolla, the Jetta's People First warranty can be transferred to another owner if it's done during the warranty period.