2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs new Toyota Corolla

June 08 2019,

The compact sedan segment has a lot of models, but two nameplates tend to standout in the minds of consumers : The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota Corolla. Even if you don’t know cars, you’ve probably heard of these two models. The Corolla’s main claim to fame is reliability and comfort while the Jetta has always been known for its driving dynamics and German-engineered refinement. That said, the Jetta has considerably upped the comfort level with its recent generation introduced two years ago while the Corolla is available in a brand-new generation this year as well.

So here we have two quality compact sedans with efficient engines and plenty going for them. How can you decide which is right for you? It all starts with figuring out what is most important for you specifically. The Jetta is better than the Corolla in certain areas and vice-versa. The trick is to determine where one model outshines the other and then decide if that area is important for you. For example, the Jetta is often considered the most balanced car of the two with slightly more space inside as well. Let’s take a closer look.

More Power in the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta than the Corolla

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has one engine to offer consumers (if we exclude the sporty Volkswagen GLI). The Jetta is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque which is paired to an 8-speed automatic. The Corolla gets two engines with a CVT automatic gearbox. On paper, the Corolla has more horsepower in its second engine while the first delivers 139 hp. That said, the Jetta is faster than both Corolla versions thanks to the magic of turbocharging and low-end torque.

For a car to be fast in daily usage, torque matters a lot more than horsepower. Horsepower matters on a track, but we aren’t driving on a track and in the city and on the highway, torque is the game changer. A turbo engine delivers a lot more torque a low RPMs which means that in the case of the Jetta, it takes off the line faster and passes with more confidence. The 8-speed automatic means a more natural, linear driving feeling compared to the elasticity that’s inherent with CVT automatic gearboxes. All you have to do is test both cars. Floor the Jetta and then floor the Corolla. You’ll immediately notice the difference.

The other difference you will notice is the interior versatility of the Volkswagen Jetta. As one of the largest compact sedans on the market today, the Jetta outshines the Corolla in both interior space and cargo space. When we said the Jetta was the most balanced option, that’s what we meant. The Jetta is fun to drive, fast, and comfortable, but it’s also very spacious. There’s a lot to like about the new Jetta here.