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Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Volkswagen Jetta

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Chrysler logo

2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Volkswagen logo

2026 Volkswagen Jetta

Overview

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
Selected trimClassicS
Body styleWagonSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission4-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20102026

Pricing & market

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
MSRP$18,275 (best)$23,995
Lowest listing price$7,493 (best)
Median listing price$21,996 (best)
Highest listing price$30,554 (best)
For sale now078 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
Combined MPG21 MPG34 MPG (best)
City MPG19 MPG29 MPG (best)
Highway MPG24 MPG40 MPG (best)
Fuel tank15 gal (best)13.2 gal

Performance

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
Horsepower150 hp158 hp (best)
Torque165 lb-ft184 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.4 L (best)1.5 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors5 (best)4
Cargo volume62.7 cu ft (best)14.1 cu ft
Towing capacity1,000 lbs (best)
Payload915 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,222 lbs2,998 lbs (best)
Ground clearance5.5 in5.5 in
Wheelbase103 in105.7 in (best)
Length168.9 in186.5 in (best)
Width67.1 in70.8 in (best)
Height63 in (best)57.7 in

Safety & recalls

SpecChrysler PT CruiserClassicVolkswagen JettaS
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)1

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimChrysler PT CruiserVolkswagen Jetta
1

Classic

$18,275 MSRP(Currently comparing)

S

$23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Sport

$25,305 MSRP

3

SE

$26,985 MSRP

4

SEL

$29,995 MSRP

5

Autobahn

$33,745 MSRP

6

Autobahn

$33,745 MSRP

Live inventory

Chrysler PT Cruiser vs Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

Which is better: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser starts lower at $18,275. Live Volkswagen Jetta listings start at $7,493.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (18,275).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
Which has better horsepower: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on horsepower in this comparison (228).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Volkswagen Jetta (5/5 NHTSA overall).