overview
Often known as a Volkswagen Golf with a trunk because of its jaunty driving characteristics, the front-wheel drive Jetta sedan is among the best compacts sold today. Plus, it’s in good company, holding up well against newer, more powerful competition like the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3, which offers all-wheel drive. The Jetta has agile handling that makes its 158-horsepower turbocharged inline-four fun to lean against. For more power and performance, turn to the separately reviewed 228-hp Jetta Gli. While a six-speed manual transmission is standard, the Jetta can also be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission for an extra few hundred dollars. Standard safety features and a host of excellent infotainment offerings fill the Jetta’s cabin, and I’d be remiss not to point out that the last Jetta we tested returned an impressive 42 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test at the real world.
what’s new for 2023?
While the Volkswagen Jetta received an update last year, 2023 brings only minor cosmetic changes, as well as the addition of remote start capability for the SE trim level.
Reading: Vw jetta car review
price and which one to buy
The sporty trim level feels like the Jetta to get, with lots of unique design cues and a price that’s not too high. Standard Sport equipment includes unique 17-inch wheels, black exterior and interior trim, and an electronic locking front differential to improve performance over the rest of the line.
engine, transmission and performance
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Each Jetta drives the front wheels with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The base model has a standard six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is optional. At our test track, our automatic tester reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than the last automatic Jetta we tested. While the sedan rides comfortably and quietly, its light steering is effortless but lacks a precise feel. Compared to rivals like the Mazda 3, the Jetta isn’t quite a back-and-forth race car, but it does lean into sharp turns when moving over the posted speed limit. still, its serene nature will satisfy those looking for an accommodating ride.
real world fuel economy and mpg
The VW Jetta topped EPA estimates during our 75 mph fuel economy track, getting an impressive 42 mpg. While the EPA ratings for new Jettas with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic differ only slightly, the base automatic is more efficient at an estimated 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Jettas with three pedals get an EPA-estimated 29 mpg and 42 mpg highway. Jetta Sport, SE and SEL trims get slightly lower ratings due to trim differences, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg for city driving and 40 mpg for highway cruising. For more information on Jetta’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
interior, comfort and cargo
Inside, the Jetta offers sophisticated design and generous passenger space. Although the available features become more desirable with each higher version, each cab adapts to the driver and boasts excellent outward visibility. Core content like customizable ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, and ventilated front seats are reserved for the pricier models. Surprisingly, the Jetta had more carry-on than the regular Golf hatchback. The sedan had seven bags in the trunk, compared to five that fit behind the rear seat of the Golf. Likewise, the Jetta carried three more bags than the Golf (18 total) with the rear seats folded down. Jetta’s interior storage bin includes convenient door pockets and a deep bin in the center console.
infotainment and connectivity
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All Jettas have a responsive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Along with traditional volume and tuning knobs, the Car-Net unit allows gesture controls for swipe and pinch-to-zoom. Similarly, every Jetta has a mobile hotspot as long as people are willing to pay for a subscription-based data plan. wireless charging is standard on the top two trim levels.
safety and driver assistance features
Even the entry-level Jetta comes with a handful of standard driver-assist tech, and upgraded equipment such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are available. For more information on the Jetta’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. key security features include:
- standard forward collision warning and automated emergency braking
- standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert
- available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- free maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles
warranty and maintenance coverage
Volkswagen has above average limited warranty and below average powertrain coverage. to compensate for the latter, the company offers free maintenance.
more features and specifications
