The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that provides drivers with a smooth and comfortable ride. There’s ample room for passengers and cargo. In fact, according to the San Bernardino area Volkswagen dealership, the 2020 VW Jetta has almost as much interior space as some midsize sedans.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is another compact sedan that’s been very popular over the years. But can it beat the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta in a head-to-head competition? Read on, and we’ll find out which model emerges victorious.
Price
Price-conscious car shoppers will choose the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta over the 2020 Toyota Corolla. The Jetta has a starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $18,895, while the Corolla starts at $19,600. You won’t pay the MSRP when you visit a dealership like the Volkswagen dealer near San Bernardino. We use this figure as a good method to compare the relative cost of the two vehicles.
Powertrain
If you’re looking for a sedan with more power, you’ll want the VW Jetta, which gets a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s good for 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Corolla’s base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine only makes 139 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque.
The Jetta S and R-Line trims get a standard six-speed manual transmission, while the other models have a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s available on the S and R-Line. Corolla drivers will have to make do with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), although the SE trim can get a six-speed manual transmission as an option.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another category where the Jetta excels. The Jetta gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway.* The Corolla’s base 1.8-liter engine only delivers 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway. Opt for the Corolla’s XLE trim, and those figures drop to 29 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
Passenger Space
Jetta passengers will have plenty of room to stretch out and stay comfortable. The 2020 Jetta has a total of 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. The 2020 Corolla only has 88.6 cubic feet.
Cargo Capacity
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta has more room in the trunk than the 2020 Toyota Corolla. The Jetta has 14.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the 2020 Toyota Corolla only has 13.1 cubic feet. Jetta owners will get more space to carry home groceries, sporting equipment or items from the local home supply store.
Warranty
The 2020 VW Jetta has a better basic warranty than the 2020 Toyota Corolla. The Jetta is protected by a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, while the Corolla only gets a three-year/36,000-mile basic
Our Take
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a nice car, but when you stack up the different categories, such as price, power, fuel economy, passenger space, cargo space and warranty, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta leaves the Corolla in the dust.
* All vehicle mileage based on 2020 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.