Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
Pleasingly smooth ride
Ample storage in the cabin
Customizable digital instrument cluster lends a techy vibe
Cons
Brakes feel grabby at low speeds
Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are tricky to use
Cabin is more plasticky than others in the class
What's new
More driver assistance features now come standard
Other minor changes to standard feature availability
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced in 2019
Overview
With the recent demise of the Passat sedan and regular Golf hatchback, the 2024 Jetta stands as Volkswagen's singular sensible car offering. It's not as popular as its Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla rivals, but extensive tech features and classy, Audi-like styling give it a bit of gravity. The Jetta's more subdued design will draw some and bore others, but it's hard to argue with the VW's value. Adding to the Jetta's appeal this year is a full suite of standard advanced driver aids. Last year's model offered only a handful.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
The Jetta rolls on for 2024 largely unchanged, but with one important inclusion: the standard IQ.Drive bundle of driver assistance features. With the exception of blind-spot warning and automatic braking, most driver aids were optional on last year's model. This year, the full array comes standard, making the Jetta more competitive with its Honda, Hyundai and Mazda rivals, for a price that still falls about middle of the pack. The extra aids — when combined with a roomy cabin, ample cargo space and punchy engine — strengthen the Jetta's value. And the Jetta's even available with a manual transmission for those who still like to change their own gears — or just save a few bucks.
Competitors to consider
The Honda Civic sets the pace for small sedans with its performance and comfort, but it commands a premium. The Jetta undercuts its rival on price with similar features and roominess, but the Civic drives with a verve the Jetta can't match. The same can be said for the sporty Mazda 3, although its condensed size makes it less practical. The Toyota Corolla's high-grade interior and reliability make it a strong choice, but pokey acceleration holds it back.
Which Jetta does Edmunds recommend?
The Jetta's midlevel SE trim is a good pick for value. It comes standard with some desirable extras such as synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats, all for not much more than the base trim. But also consider the top SEL trim if it fits in your budget. It's still priced competitively for a small sedan and comes loaded with features.
Volkswagen Jetta models
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, Sport, SE and SEL. There is also a sporty GLI model that we cover separately. All trims use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) joined to a six-speed manual (standard on the S and Sport) or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Keep reading for our rundown of the key features you get with each trim.
S The Jetta's base trim kicks things off with:
16-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Cloth upholstery
Digital gauge cluster
6.5-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
Four-speaker sound system
Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app with remote start, door locking/unlocking, parked location finder and other functions
The S also comes with standard advanced driver aids that include:
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane; automatic-equipped Jettas only)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Jetta and the car in front, includes stop-and-go functionality for automatic transmission models)
Sport The Sport trim adds cosmetic and performance upgrades, including:
17-inch alloy wheels
Sport differential (improves traction when accelerating out of corners)
Gloss-black front grille and exterior trim
Front accent lights
Heated front seats
SE Builds on the S trim with:
17-inch alloy wheels
Push-button start and keyless entry
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Synthetic leather upholstery
SEL The top-trim Jetta adds:
Automatic high beams
Sunroof
Heated side mirrors, wipers and wiper nozzles
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Driver's seat memory settings
Heated steering wheel
10-color adjustable ambient cabin lighting
Upgraded digital gauge cluster
8-inch touchscreen
Voice control functionality
Integrated navigation system
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
I owned a 2017 Jetta S manual and recently purchased a 2022 Jetta Sport manual. The upgrades are significant in the '22. The seats are more comfortable and much more attractive. The 1.5L turbo has more punch, and the six speed manual is among the smoothest I've ever driven (and I have owned numerous standard transmission cars over 30 years of driving). The optional Driver Assistance … package is an awesome addition for the price. The autonomous cruise works well, leather steering wheel/shifter add some fit and finish, and knowing the car is equipped with emergency braking technology offers peace of mind. The best accident is the one you avoid.
I've filled the tank twice in this car. My first tank was a mix of city/highway, and I managed 37.9 mpg. The second tank of mostly highway driving surpassed 41 mpgs. My 17 Jetta would manage nearly 50 mpgs on long highway trips, and I have no doubt this new drivetrain will manage the same once broken in. Outstanding efficiency.
There are some basic plastics inside, and the car has an underwhelming radio. It doesn't have satellite radio unless you buy the top trim, and I think that's a meaningful omission and marketing mistake. That should be standard equipment, or at a minimum optional on any trim other than the base model. It's my only complaint.
All in all, it's a far-improved car over the past five model years. Noticeable improvement in the interior with digital instrumentation, seats, standard technology. The car has grown a few inches to really ride the line between a compact and midsize, which I really appreciate at the compact price. Massive trunk. While nobody will confuse the car with an Audi, it definitely is a handsome vehicle for the pedestrian price point. I definitely recommend the Sport model over the S for the small price increase. It meaningfully changes the presence of the automobile, both inside and out.
Is this a swanky car? Of course not. This is a bargain purchase. But VWs are safe, extremely efficient, feel well-built inside and out, and my 17 caused me zero mechanical or reliability issues in the five years I owned it. Nothing broke on the car at all, nothing required unexpected service. It's what brought me back for another quality commuter vehicle.
We have a much more expensive family SUV which shares our garage with the Jetta. The Jetta is the better value for the purchase price, as long as you have reasonable expectations for what you're purchasing. I would definitely recommend the brand and the vehicle far and away above any other competitive product other than the Honda Civic. That's a great car, too, and a comparable product. Between the two, I would argue it comes down to aesthetic preferences, but this car deserves far more accolades than it seems to be receiving.
Fantastic with impressive highway mpg of 40
5 out of 5 stars
Rick, 05/22/2022
2022 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I don’t understand why somebody would buy a non turbo Mazda 3 (the comparable car) rather than this. The Jetta has great low end torque for around town driving that makes it very peppy. Easily handles passing on the highway at 80mph+. Fairly quiet and smooth ride. Interior is well designed but not fancy. The infotainment system with wireless CarPlay is a underrated feature - its quick … and I’ve never had an issue. Adaptive cruise control is basic but works well. Passengers have plenty of space (two large car seats now). I get 40-42mph on highways despite having AC blasting ice, CarPlay on, and going 80mph.
Get the SEL Premium if you can!
5 out of 5 stars
Micky from SoCal, 07/13/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This vehicle drives well above its class. Despite the small engine and low HP, it is peppy and smooth, and is eager to go. It’s very refined in its handling, reminding me of the mercedes S my Dad had when I was younger and I did my learners permit training on. No, it isn’t a V8 like that, but driving it feels very similar, which means VW had come a long way. No rattles or squeaks so far. …
The heated and cooled leather seats are comfortable, the driving position is great for a 6-3 person like me, the rear seats are easy to get kids into car seats (unlike last gen Jetta). The AC system cools well, the new stereo is cool (though I think it is due for a firmware update to fix a few bugs), and the digital cockpit is an awesome feature.
Edmunds claims they only got 30mpg combined. What were they doing? I live in a very hilly area and get 30mpg city on those trips. That’s a 600 ft elevation climb to drop kids at school, waiting in car lines, stopping starting and parking. And I turn the auto stop/start off. But I use the adaptive cruise control religiously, and I think that really helps with gas mileage.
On a highway run, I got 46 mpg. YMMV, but this is during the hot summer with AC running.
Considering what the average new car goes for, getting this car for under $29000 seems like a steal.
Nice Car for the Money
5 out of 5 stars
Redblock, 07/02/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Lots of features, great gas mileage, good Auto transmission unlike some of the competition which offer CVT Transmissions.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.
These Are the Cheapest New Cars & SUVs on Sale Today | Top 10 Least Expensive New Cars for 2023
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, but since the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
New cars these days are expensive, to say the least — the average price of a new car is currently standing at almost $50,000 — and trying to find something less expensive can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, though, there are still a decent number of cheaper new cars available,… and we're here to help you find them. Edmunds' Lauren McCay takes you through the top 10 cheapest new cars on sale today in the video above!
The Honda Civic boasts a sporty character, a roomy interior and high fuel economy. It sets the bar for its class, so much so that it's our Edmunds top-rated small sedan. But it does cost more than the Jetta, especially in its higher trim levels with the turbo engine. The Jetta comes with a more powerful standard engine.
Compared to the conservatively styled Jetta, the Elantra stands out with its angular lines and sporty look. The Elantra also offers plenty of standard features, a longer warranty, a slightly roomier rear seat and even a hybrid version for greater efficiency. On the downside, its acceleration isn't as quick as the Jetta's.
In contrast to the Jetta, the Mazda 3 offers distinct, eye-catching style and a sporty driving character. The refined interior is also more than you'd expect in a compact sedan. The Mazda also offers a powerful turbocharged engine upgrade and all-wheel drive. That performance comes at the expense of smaller trunk space and smaller back seat, however. The Jetta is roomier and more practical. For more about the Mazda 3, read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3.
Alerts you with visual and audible warnings if other vehicles are in your blind spot.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
Applies the brakes once the airbags go off to reduce the possibility of further damage during an accident.
Forward Collision Warning
Sounds an alert when a front collision is likely and primes and applies the brakes if necessary.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
13%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Poor
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
2024 Volkswagen Jetta First Impressions
byEdmunds
•3/21/2023
What is the Jetta?
In the market for a new small sedan but afraid that a new Civic or Corolla would be lost in the Costco parking lot? You might want to check out the Volkswagen Jetta, a compact four-door that's less common than these rivals and stands out with robust tech features and classy, Audi-like styling.
The Jetta received a comprehensive update in 2022 that saw the addition of a new engine, an exterior styling update and a couple advanced driving aids included as standard equipment. But the current Jetta dates back to 2019, meaning it would normally be due for a full redesign right around now. However, Automotive News reports that due to slowing sedan sales (and possibly because Volkswagen is ramping up its EV efforts), the Jetta may receive yet another wide-ranging update instead.
We don't know what a second refresh would look like just yet, but there's one thing we don't want: the capacitive touch controls and next-gen touchscreen interface as seen on the ID.4 and Golf GTI. The newer infotainment system is a major step backward from the one currently in the Jetta in terms of usability, and the capacitive touchpads are a poor "evolution" of the physical controls that the 2023 Jetta enjoys.
Edmunds says
Volkswagen will likely update the Jetta again for the 2024 model year. But newer isn't always better; we can imagine VW incorporating some of the more frustrating elements of its more recently redesigned cars into the 2024 Jetta.
FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Jetta a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Jetta both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Jetta gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Jetta has 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Jetta. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta:
More driver assistance features now come standard
Other minor changes to standard feature availability
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced in 2019
To determine whether the Volkswagen Jetta is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Jetta. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Jetta's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Jetta gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 41 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Jetta is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta?
The least-expensive 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $21,435.
Other versions include:
S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $21,435
S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $22,235
Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $22,585
Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $23,385
SE 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $24,875
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,825
What are the different models of Volkswagen Jetta?
If you're interested in the Volkswagen Jetta, the next question is, which Jetta model is right for you? Jetta variants include S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A), Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Jetta models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1200" height="588" fill="none" preserveAspectRatio="none"%3E%3Cmask id="b" width="1200" height="588" x="0" y="0" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:alpha"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23a)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/mask%3E%3Cg mask="url(%23b)"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23c)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23d)" fill-opacity=".15" d="M581.718 62.893c42.993 1.53 86.281 5.888 129.704 13.204 311.828 52.485 552.538 242.016 657.698 483.656-149.97-147.971-450.891-226.33-789.375-232.079-338.534.839-640.434 74.572-792.746 220.292 108.75-240.047 352.255-425.97 664.832-473.803a1041.548 1041.548 0 0 1 129.887-11.27Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23e)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M611.247 209.93a1458.84 1458.84 0 0 1 139.573 27.692c333.61 83.239 577.16 267.208 668.67 475.188-148.93-138.63-468.279-241.218-835.209-290.421-367.6-43.915-702.265-24.445-881.281 72.561 140.567-178.524 422.355-295.817 766.181-293.074 47.867.484 95.274 3.212 142.066 8.054Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23f)" d="M735.039 879.394c48.524-6.62 97.023-16.967 145.3-31.2C1227.03 746.059 1475.76 472.327 1564.28 145c-151.17 209.633-482.23 344.436-865.05 388.31C315.515 568.571-35.93 504.564-227 330.342-73.333 632.61 226.169 849.617 586.429 878.604c50.15 3.871 99.74 4.07 148.61.79Z" opacity=".3"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23g)" d="M694.222 783.712c50.956 12 103.317 20.27 156.946 24.578 385.102 31.013 738.232-146.76 952.062-439.434-231.22 151.216-613.24 158.795-1012.047 55.796C394.784 312.716 68.643 114.101-55.211-133c37.44 360.528 253.087 691.895 601.449 858.946 48.557 23.091 97.963 42.302 147.984 57.766Z" opacity=".9"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23h)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3ClinearGradient id="a" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".333" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%230A4AAB"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="c" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".334" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="d" x1="675.999" x2="879.999" y1="648.999" y2="120.999" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23fff"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="e" x1="656.5" x2="637.602" y1="213" y2="622.259" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".115" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".944" stop-color="%23017D8D"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="f" x1="398" x2="737" y1="599" y2="387" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%2300ABB5"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%2300A0B5" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="g" x1="1051.5" x2="271" y1="567" y2="575" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%230098C2"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23033E96" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="h" x1="1005" x2="986.038" y1="23" y2="587.43" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".813" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".972"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E)
