2026 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla: Which Compact Sedan Offers More Value, Tech, and Performance?

2026 Jetta vs. Corolla: Affordable, Well-Equipped, and Fun to Drive

For decades, the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla have been battling for the top spot in the contest for the best compact sedan. Both have satisfying powertrains, comfy interior features, and loads of technology. At J. Bertolet Volkswagen near Pottsville, Hamburg, and Orwigsburg, our team is partial to the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, but we want you to decide for yourself.

So, let's take a close look at the 2026 Jetta and 2026 Corolla to determine which compact sedan has more tech, power, and affordability.

Which Compact Sedan Has More Tech, Power, and Affordability?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most affordable compact sedans on the market today, thanks to its starting MSRP under $26,000 for the entry-level Jetta S. However, the 2026 Toyota Corolla LE has an even lower MSRP, under $24,000.

Volkswagen offers the Jetta in four trim levels, while Toyota has ten trims, including a few with a hybrid powertrain. For this comparison, we'll look closely at the entry-level models to see which model has better features for a low price.

To start the comparison, let's look at the basic specifications, starting with the Jetta. The 2026 Jetta S has:

• A turbocharged powertrain that delivers 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
• Eight-speed automatic transmission.
• An 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto.
• A suite of standard driver-assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Front-wheel drive.
• 14.1 cubic feet of truck space.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla LE has:

• A four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
• A continuously variable automatic transmission.
• An 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto.
• Front-wheel drive.
• 13.1 cubic feet of truck space.
• The Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features with Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Volkswagen Jetta trim levels include several optional features, and drivers can choose a peppier engine in the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Drivers interested in the Toyota Corolla have two body styles to choose from: the sedan and hatchback. The hatchback models are available with the standard powertrain, while the sedan can be purchased with the hybrid powertrain.

Both Volkswagen and Toyota offer optional features and packages to make your compact sedan fit your lifestyle and driving needs.

What's Under the Hood?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S, Sport, SE, and SEL come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower. In the past, the Jetta was available with a manual transmission, but now it's only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission shifts smoothly, especially when accelerating onto the highway.

Drivers who want more power can choose the Jetta GLI. This sporty trim has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and 228 horsepower. Volkswagen offers a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for this athletic sedan.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission. While this vehicle has more horsepower than the standard Jetta, drivers often complain that the CVT can be jerky, especially when accelerating on the highway. The hybrid version of the Corolla has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, an electric motor, the same CVT, and 138 horsepower.

Fuel efficiency is fantastic in both the Jetta and the Corolla.

• The 2026 Jetta S gets an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 29/39 MPG.
• The 2026 Corolla LE gets an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 32/41 MPG.

What Comfort Features Are Standard in the Compact Sedans?

The 2026 VW Jetta is a bigger car than the 2026 Corolla, and the interior has more space. This grown-up sedan has the brand's minimalist styling, and the entry-level Jetta S comes with comfortable cloth upholstery, a manually-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Dimensions for the Jetta are:

• Wheelbase: 105.7 inches.
• Length: 186.5 inches.
• Width: 70.8 inches.
• Height: 57.5 inches.
• Passenger Volume: 94 cubic feet.

The 2026 Corolla LE is only available in the sedan body style. It also has comfortable cloth upholstery with manually adjustable front seats and split-folding rear seats for added cargo space. It also has automatic climate control.

Dimensions for the Corolla sedan are:

• Wheelbase: 106.3 inches.
• Length: 182.3 inches.
• Width: 70.1 inches.
• Height: 56.5 inches.
• Passenger Volume: 89 cubic feet.

What Tech is Standard in the 2026 Jetta & Corolla?

Both compact sedans have 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systems that are intuitive and easy to use with several connectivity features. All Jetta models have the same 8.0-inch touchscreen, while Toyota offers a large screen on top trims like the Corolla XSE sedan, which has a 10.5-inch touchscreen.

The entry-level Jetta S has matching 8.0-inch screens, and the connectivity features include Bluetooth®, wired Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and four speakers.

Standard driver-assistance features include Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist, and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers.

The entry-level Corolla LE has a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The connectivity features includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports, and six speakers.

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features include Forward Collision Warning, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Departure Warning, Automatic High-Beam Headlights, and Traffic-Sign Assist.

Which Compact Sedan is Best For Your Lifestyle Around Pottsville and Hamburg?

Choosing between the 2026 VW Jetta and 2026 Toyota Corolla shouldn't come down to the sticker price. While the Jetta has a slightly higher MSRP, it delivers a significantly better driving experience. Despite the Corolla having a bit more horsepower on paper, the Jetta has more torque, giving it a more spirited ride.

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a good choice for drivers who value:

• A more engaging driving experience.
• A tech-rich cabin with customizable displays and intuitive controls.
• Refined, modern, and minimalist styling.
• More interior space for a comfortable daily drive.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla is a good choice for drivers who value:

• Excellent fuel economy for daily commuting.
• Proven reliability and strong resale value.
• User-friendly tech with wireless connectivity.

Explore the 2026 VW Jetta at J. Bertolet Volkswagen in Orwigsburg, PA

Visit J. Bertolet Volkswagen to take the 2026 Jetta for a test-drive around Orwigsburg, PA. We're confident you'll enjoy the grown-up styling and peppy turbocharged powertrain. When you're ready to purchase the Jetta, our finance team can help you value your trade, then build a loan or lease with the latest incentives and offers.