A Corolla driving on a racetrack.

Performance

  • Only the Corolla has an available hybrid engine option for fuel economy.
  • For boosted horsepower, the Corolla has up to 169 horsepower, while the Jetta is expected to only have up to 158 horsepower.
  • Both sedans have multiple transmission options, but only the Corolla comes standard with a CVT.

Whether you have a need for speed or want a sedan that only sips gas, the Toyota Corolla has models for all desires.

Horsepower and Handling

For the fuel-conscious driver, the 2022 Corolla Hybrid LE has an EPA-estimated 53/52/52 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The 2021 Jetta didn’t have an available hybrid engine option and is not expected to for the 2022 model year. None of the Jetta gas models have an MPG rating that even comes close to the hybrid efficiency of the Corolla Hybrid.

The Corolla has models that are easy on the gas and heavy on the horsepower. With 169 standard horsepower, the Corolla SE, SE Nightshade Edition, SE Apex Edition, XSE, and XSE Apex Edition add an extra kick to your drive. An improved 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine is expected to be a new standard for the Jetta, but it will only have 158 horsepower.

A car with a manual transmission may be a deal breaker for some and a nostalgic feature for others. Both the Corolla and Jetta give drivers the option for either a manual or automatic transmission. However, the 2022 Jetta S is expected to come standard with a manual transmission. It will have an available 8-speed automatic transmission available for an added cost. For those who can't drive stick, the Corolla L comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you want a hands-on drive, the Corolla SE and SE Apex Edition have available manual transmissions.

A Corolla driving on a track.

Safety

  • The 2022 Corolla includes advanced features of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) across all models.
  • Get the addition of Road Sign Assist (RSA) with the Corolla.
  • While the 2021 Jetta didn't receive a rating from the IIHS, the 2021 Corolla got a Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with specific headlights.

Get a whole suite of active safety features called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) when you choose the 2022 Corolla.

Standard Safety Features

You can expect a standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Road Sign Assist (RSA) on any Corolla model, and also Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) when you choose a Corolla model with a CVT.

It's anticipated that the Jetta will offer Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert standard. More advanced active safety features like High Beam Control (Light Assist), Lane Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) will require an upgrade to a more expensive trim.

When evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2021 Corolla was awarded a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights. Looking back, the 2021 Jetta did not receive any top rating.

The interior of a Corolla.

Interior

  • Use the Corolla's hands-free features like Amazon Alexa.
  • Get a larger standard touchscreen with the Corolla.
  • Seamlessly switch gears in the various Corolla SE and XSE models, which come with paddle shifters.

When you have a vehicle like the Toyota Corolla, there's no shortage of standard interior features.

Connectivity and Convenience

Take productivity from your house to the road with the Corolla's standard Amazon Alexa compatibility. Ask it to add items to a shopping list, tell you the weather, play music, and more. The Jetta is not expected to be compatible with Amazon Alexa.

View all of the Corolla's connectivity apps on a standard 7-in. touchscreen display with the base model, or get an 8-in. touchscreen on all other models. It's not likely that the Jetta will improve its touchscreen offering for 2022. It has previously come with a 6.5-in. touchscreen. An 8-in. touchscreen is expected to be available only on the SEL Premium.

Be in control of your drive with the Corolla SE w/CVT, SE Nightshade Edition, SE Apex Edition w/CVT, XSE, and XSE Apex Edition, all of which come with standard paddle shifters. No Jetta model is expected to include paddle shifters.

Conclusion: Corolla vs. Jetta

On the outside, the 2022 Corolla and Jetta are sleek and sporty. When you look closer at the details, though, the Corolla has more to offer than just its looks.
The available Corolla Hybrid LE helps reduce your carbon footprint and has excellent fuel economy ratings, with an EPA-estimated 53/52/52 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Conversely, the Jetta is not expected to offer a hybrid engine.
You also get more standard active safety features with the Corolla's Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0).
After looking at these two sedans side by side, the scales are tipped in favor of the Corolla for its abundance of standard offerings and available options that help you get the most out of your ride.

  • Only the Corolla has an available hybrid engine option.
  • Get the help of added reassurance on the road in the Corolla with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) features.
  • The Corolla offers tons of standard features and allows you to customize your ride the way you like.