Compare the2026 Volkswagen JettaVS 2026 Toyota Camry

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Jetta has standard Rear Traffic Alert with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Rear Cross-Traffic Braking costs extra on the Camry XLE/XSE, and isn't offered on other Camry models.

Both the Jetta and the Camry have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Volkswagen Jetta is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Volkswagen Jetta is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Jetta comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Camry’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Jetta’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Camry’s (7 vs. 5 years).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Jetta higher (7 out of 10) than the Toyota Camry (6). This means the Jetta produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Camry every 15,000 miles.

The Jetta stops much shorter than the Camry:

The Jetta S’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Camry LE’s standard 65 series tires.

The Jetta SEL handles at .86 G’s, while the Camry XLE AWD pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Jetta’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the Camry’s (35.8 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Volkswagen Jetta may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 500 pounds less than the Toyota Camry.

The Jetta is 7 inches shorter than the Camry, making the Jetta easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Jetta uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Camry doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Jetta SE/SEL has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Camry doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Jetta’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Camry’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Jetta SEL to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Camry doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Both the Jetta and the Camry offer available heated front seats. The Jetta SEL also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Camry.