Toyota Prius vs Volkswagen Jetta
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 50 MPG combined, against 32 MPG for the Volkswagen Jetta. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,650 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Toyota Prius | Volkswagen Jetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 3,487 | 1,184 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Fuel system |
| Crashes and fires | 255 and 22 | 31 and 9 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 7,000 miles | 54,000 miles |
| Recalls | 10 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 50 MPG | 32 MPG |
| City and highway | 51 and 48 | 29 and 39 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $1,350 | $3,000 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 3,487 complaints for the Toyota Prius and 1,184 for the Volkswagen Jetta. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 10 for the Toyota Prius, 4 for the Volkswagen Jetta.