Toyota Corolla vs Volkswagen Jetta
This page compares the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta across the 17 model years both appear in our data (2010–2026). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Volkswagen Jetta averages about 40 mpg (UK) against 39 mpg for the Toyota Corolla. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Toyota Corolla (4.5 against 6.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2026
| Measure | Toyota Corolla | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 39 | 40 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 170 | 175 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,053 | $2,326 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 93 | 94 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 13 of 16 | 13 of 15 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 4.5 | 6.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 337 | 337 |
| Engine options across these years | 4 | 6 |
Year by Year
| Year | Toyota Corolla MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Volkswagen Jetta MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 36 | — | 17 | 1,264 | 38 | — | 6 | 875 |
| 2011 | 36 | 3★ | 9 | 590 | 38 | 4★ | 11 | 640 |
| 2012 | 35 | 4★ | 5 | 446 | 38 | — | 8 | 527 |
| 2013 | 35 | 4★ | 5 | 202 | 38 | 4★ | 7 | 632 |
| 2014 | 38 | 5★ | 2 | 269 | 38 | 5★ | 6 | 440 |
| 2015 | 38 | 5★ | 1 | 220 | 42 | 5★ | 8 | 197 |
| 2016 | 38 | 5★ | 1 | 214 | 40 | 5★ | 5 | 164 |
| 2017 | 38 | 5★ | 3 | 189 | 40 | 5★ | 7 | 159 |
| 2018 | 38 | 5★ | 3 | 142 | 40 | 5★ | 3 | 31 |
| 2019 | 43 | 5★ | 5 | 204 | 41 | 5★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2020 | 41 | 5★ | 4 | 310 | 41 | 5★ | 6 | 53 |
| 2021 | 42 | 5★ | 1 | 185 | 41 | 5★ | 4 | 69 |
| 2022 | 41 | 5★ | 2 | 150 | 41 | 5★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2023 | 42 | 5★ | 8 | 249 | 42 | 5★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2024 | 42 | 5★ | 4 | 116 | 41 | 5★ | 0 | 44 |
| 2025 | 42 | 5★ | 1 | 53 | 40 | 5★ | 2 | 29 |
| 2026 | 42 | 5★ | — | — | 41 | 5★ | 0 | 6 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Toyota Corolla · Volkswagen Jetta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Toyota Corolla or the Volkswagen Jetta?
On its most efficient configuration the Volkswagen Jetta averages about 40 mpg (UK) against 39 mpg for the Toyota Corolla. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Toyota Corolla has 13 of 16 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Volkswagen Jetta has 13 of 15. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Toyota Corolla averages 4.5 recall campaigns and 337 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Jetta averages 6.4 and 337. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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