What we know!

At a glance, both the Jetta and the Corolla have comparable specs, including superior standard features, but let’s first look at trim levels! For the Jetta in the 2025 model year, a lineup is as follows: the Jetta S, the Jetta Sport, the Jetta SE and the Jetta SEL. With the S are standard offerings including App-Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a Blind Spot Monitor, an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. By comparison, the Toyota Corolla LE, its base model, has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but does not have the Blind Spot Monitor as standard. It also has a similar sized 8-inch multimedia system, but with a smaller, 4.2-inch information display.

Building upon the previous level, trims for the Jetta add features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated front row and rear outboard seats, a BeatsAudio sounds system and the 10.25-inch configurable VW Digital Cockpit Pro. The Corolla, though, does not offer some of these upgrades, such as the ventilated seats. Also,features with the SE trim for the Jetta are standard 17-inch alloy wheels, with the SEL offered with 18–inchers and other upscale touches. A new 8-inch infotainment screen comes standard now across all trims.

The Corolla trims include the Sedan LE, the Sedan SE, the Sedan FX and the Sedan XSE.

Safety is key in the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 offering, but as mentioned above, the Blind Spot Monitor, standard on every entry level Jetta, is only offered as an available upgrade on the Corolla. Also, with the VW sedan, features are plentiful, perfect for teen drivers. That is brought forth in the IQ.DRIVE, VW’s advanced suite of driver assist features, including Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, the aforementioned Blind Spot Monitor and Emergency Assist.

For those who consider cost as a defining factor, the Jetta, in simple terms, provides many driver-assistance options as standard, while the Corolla offers them as upgrades. This, in fact, may be among the biggest deciding factors, as the Jetta trim tiers offer more standard benefits, including the VW Digital Cockpit, more room within and impressive acceleration, plus more, and at a lesser cost! The Jetta starts at $22,495, with the Corolla’s starting price tag at $23,520.

In the area of performance, both the Jetta and the Corolla are powered by four-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged engines, but while the Corolla makes 11 more horsepower, the Jetta produces 33 pound-feet of extra torque, meaning that the Jetta gets you moving quicker! To that end, the Jetta and its 158 hp jumps from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds, compared to the Corolla and its 169-horses at 8.8.

They also differ in the area of transmission, with the Corolla offering a CVT and the Jetta an adaptable eight-speed automatic. In addition, the Jetta’s available 6-speed manual transmission allows drivers that hands-on sport experience. We also know that the Jetta gets up to an EPA-estimated 29/40/33 MPG (City/Highway combined) with the Toyota having a slight edge with its 32/41/35 rating.

A look inside the cabins lends itself to a major deciding factor, especially those looking for more room to stretch! Both five-speed sedans, the Jetta and the Corolla have clear space differences. For example, the Jetta, with ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control, provides up to 94.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space, while the Corolla sedan has 88.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. As a result, the Jetta is roughly 4 inches longer, giving that added room within the cabin.

The Jetta is also presented with a modern design, including new Sport bumpers, grille-spanning light bar and stylish alloy wheels, resulting in a bold presence on the open road.

The warranty for your Jetta comes in at two years or 20,000 miles worth of complimentary VW Carefree maintenance, alongside a generous four-year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Warranty, while the Corolla has a similar scheduled maintenance plan, yet only a three-year/36,000 New Vehicle warranty.

With its class-leading torque, quicker acceleration and wide range of standard offerings, the Jetta stands out as the superior compact sedan. Also, this vehicle gives drivers a choice between either an engaging 6-speed manual or a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. It is a blend of power, efficiency and entertainment, perfectly suitable for all ages. A head turner with its more refined design language and lighting enhancements, and the Jetta just keeps winning! Take a test drive, and reserve yours today!