Dodge Caliber vs Volkswagen Jetta
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | S |
| Body style | Wagon | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,380 (best) | $23,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $7,493 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $23,484 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $30,554 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 80 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 24 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG | 40 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 13.6 gal (best) | 13.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 158 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 141 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L (best) | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 47.4 cu ft (best) | 14.1 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,940 lbs (best) | 2,998 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7.7 in (best) | 5.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 in | 105.7 in (best) |
| Length | 173.8 in | 186.5 in (best) |
| Width | 68.8 in | 70.8 in (best) |
| Height | 60.4 in (best) | 57.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Dodge CaliberSE | Volkswagen JettaS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 3 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 2 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 1 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | 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.
| Trim | Dodge Caliber | Volkswagen Jetta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $17,380 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SXT Plus $18,730 MSRP | Sport $25,305 MSRP |
| 3 | SXT $18,765 MSRP | SE $26,985 MSRP |
| 4 | — | SEL $29,995 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Autobahn $33,745 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Autobahn $33,745 MSRP |
Live inventory
Volkswagen Jetta80 for sale
See all
Used2024 Volkswagen Jetta
SE
Rising Blue Metallic58,656 mi$20,475Tadd Jenkins Auto Sales Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls, ID
New2026 Volkswagen Jetta
1.5T S
Platinum Gray Metallic•Black15 mi$24,363Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Jetta
1.5T S
Platinum Gray Metallic•Black15 mi$24,549Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Jetta
1.5T Sport
Deep Black Pearl•Black12 mi$26,094Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Jetta
1.5T Sport
Pure White•Black15 mi$26,094Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
New2026 Volkswagen Jetta
1.5T Sport
Platinum Gray Metallic•Titan Black13 mi$26,061Lou Sobh Volkswagen of Athens
Bogart, GA
Dodge Caliber vs Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Dodge Caliber 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: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2012 Dodge Caliber starts lower at $17,380. Live Volkswagen Jetta listings start at $7,493.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2012 Dodge Caliber leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,380).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta leads on horsepower in this comparison (228).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2012 Dodge Caliber or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The 2012 Dodge Caliber leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,500).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2012 Dodge Caliber vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Dodge Caliber (3/5 NHTSA overall); Volkswagen Jetta (5/5 NHTSA overall).