2024 Toyota Camry LE vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S

44 more hp and awd vs $3,825 less and 5 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 202 vs 158 hp, 29 vs 34 MPG.

The short answer

The Camry LE leads on 44 more hp, AWD. The Jetta S leads on $3,825 less, 5 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
44 HP
HP Diff
5 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2024 Toyota Camry LE
Starts at $27,820
VS
Vehicle B
2026 Volkswagen Jetta S
Starts at $23,995

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
202 hp
vs
158 hp
Torque
182 lb-ft
vs
184 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
FWD
Fuel Economy
29 MPG combined
vs
34 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$27,820Camry LE
$23,995Jetta S
Engine
2.5L I4Camry LE
1.5L I4 TurboJetta S
Horsepower
202 hpCamry LE
158 hpJetta S
Torque
182 lb-ftCamry LE
184 lb-ftJetta S
Drivetrain
AWDCamry LE
FWDJetta S
City MPG
25Camry LE
29Jetta S
Highway MPG
34Camry LE
40Jetta S
Combined MPG
29Camry LE
34Jetta S
Fuel Tank
14.4 galCamry LE
13.2 galJetta S
Curb Weight
3,475 lbsCamry LE
2,998 lbsJetta S
Wheelbase
111.2"Camry LE
105.7"Jetta S
Length
192.1"Camry LE
186.5"Jetta S
Width
72.4"Camry LE
70.8"Jetta S
Height
57.1"Camry LE
57.7"Jetta S
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kCamry LE
4yr/50kJetta S
Powertrain
5yr/60kCamry LE
4yr/50kJetta S
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCamry LE
12yr/unlimitedJetta S
Roadside Assistance
2yr/25kCamry LE
4yr/50kJetta S

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2024 Toyota Camry LE2026 Volkswagen Jetta S
Pricing
MSRP$27,820$23,995
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower202 hp158 hp
Torque182 lb-ft184 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2529
Highway MPG3440
Combined MPG2934
Fuel Tank14.4 gal13.2 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,300/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,475 lbs2,998 lbs
Wheelbase111.2"105.7"
Length192.1"186.5"
Width72.4"70.8"
Height57.1"57.7"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance2yr/25k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2024 Toyota Camry LE and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S starts at $23,995, $3,825 less than the 2024 Toyota Camry LE at $27,820. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $67/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2024 Toyota Camry LE?

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE is the stronger pick when the extra 44 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,825 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $213/year less on fuel.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2024 Toyota Camry LE or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S rates 34 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2024 Toyota Camry LE or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE produces 202 hp, 44 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S at 158 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 182 lb-ft. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2024 Toyota Camry LE, FWD on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S.

Is the 2024 Toyota Camry LE bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S?

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE is 5.6″ longer at 192.1″ vs 186.5″. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2024 Toyota Camry LE and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE comes with AWD, while the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Toyota Camry comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Jetta offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Toyota trims, Toyota Camry trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Jetta trims

Official sources

The Camry–Jetta Decision

Shopping midsize sedans means the Camry and Jetta will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $-3,825 gap adds up to $67/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE has 44 more hp (202 vs 158), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE comes with AWD; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

The Ownership Math

The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S saves roughly $213/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,065.

Living With the Camry vs the Jetta

The 2024 Toyota Camry LE has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2024 Toyota Camry LE weighs 477 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

The Decision

Choose the 2024 Toyota Camry LE when the extra 44 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S when you want to keep $3,825 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta S covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Toyota or Volkswagen or any dealership.

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