DecodedCarsToyota Camry vs Volkswagen Jetta
2026 Toyota Camry vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Camry is more fuel-efficient: 51 vs 34 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $650 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Camry (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota Camry is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Volkswagen Jetta has had fewer recall campaigns (42 vs 44).
The two cars
The 2026 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,627 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,976 lb (4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 Camry and the 2023 Jetta have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2018 Camry and the 2019 Jetta.
| 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 51 MPG | 34 MPG |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 52 city | 29 city |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $1,300 | $1,950 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 184 hp | 228 hp |
| Seats (most) | 5 | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 11 | 11 |
| Length | 193.7 in | 185.8 in |
| Width | 72.4 in | 71.3 in |
| Height | 57.1 in | 57.5 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 3,494 lb | 2,976 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 3 | 1 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 44 | 42 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 144 | 6 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 34,633 | 14,797 |
| Best used year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Year to avoid | 2018 | 2019 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Toyota Camry if…
- You want lower fuel bills (51 vs 34 MPG)
- You want more room (8 in longer)
- You need AWD or 4WD
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Volkswagen Jetta if…
- You want more power (up to 228 vs 184 hp)
- You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Toyota Camry
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 51 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2026 compact car (29.2 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Toyota Camry specs →Full 2026 Volkswagen Jetta specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →