Compare the2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLIVS 2023 Toyota Crown

The Jetta GLI has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Crown doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Jetta GLI and the Crown have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

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

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

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Crown’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Jetta GLI gets better mileage than the Crown:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The Crown Platinum requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Jetta GLI offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The Crown doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is optional on the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Crown.

The Jetta GLI offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Crown doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the Jetta GLI’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Crown:

The Jetta GLI’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Crown are solid, not vented.

The Jetta GLI’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Crown’s standard 55 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Jetta GLI’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the Crown’s (36.7 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 950 to 1000 pounds less than the Toyota Crown.

The Jetta GLI is 9.2 inches shorter than the Crown, making the Jetta GLI easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Jetta GLI’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 Crown’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Jetta GLI has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Crown doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Jetta GLI was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2 of the last 3 years. The Crown has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.