Buyers looking for a compact sedan that delivers a great ride will appreciate the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta has plenty of room to keep passengers comfortable, even on long drives. And there’s a massive amount of cargo space. In fact, according to area San Joaquin car dealerships like VW of Bakersfield, the Jetta is nearly as roomy as some midsize sedan models.
Some people who are considering buying the Jetta may also be looking at the 2020 Toyota Corolla. If you’ve been wondering which of these two models is the best buy, read on as we discover which one comes out on top.
Cost
A vehicle’s cost is important to most shoppers today. If you’re watching your budget, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta should be your first choice. The Jetta’s starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $18,895. The 2020 Toyota Corolla’s MSRP starts at $19,600. We use the MSRP to compare the relative prices of these two sedan models. It’s not the price you can expect to pay at a dealer like Volkswagen of Bakersfield, a San Joaquin car dealership.
Powertrains
The Volkswagen Jetta’s 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is more powerful than the Corolla’s standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which only puts out 139 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque.
While the Corolla’s SE trim has a six-speed manual transmission option, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard. Most automotive enthusiasts prefer an automatic transmission over a CVT. Jetta drivers can choose between an eight-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gets better fuel economy than the 2020 Toyota Corolla. The Jetta returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway.* With the standard engine, the Corolla only gets 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The Corolla XLE trim gets 1-mph less city/highway.
Passenger Space
The Jetta’s cabin is a roomy and comfortable place to be, with 94.7 cubic feet of passenger space. Passengers in the Corolla will have to make do with 88.6 cubic feet.
Cargo Space
Drivers who want more trunk space to carry groceries will choose the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta over the Corolla. The Jetta has 14.1 cubic feet of room in the trunk. The Corolla only gets 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space.
Warranty
Jetta owners enjoy a longer bumper-to-bumper warranty than Corolla owners. The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gets a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Toyota only protects the Corolla with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.
Final thoughts
The Corolla is a nice compact sedan, but when you compare it with the Jetta, it’s easy to see that the Jetta comes out ahead. The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta provides buyers with more power, fuel economy, cargo space and passenger space. The Jetta also has a longer basic warranty.
* 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.