2023 Volkswagen Jetta Review, Pricing, and Specs

The Sport trim level we get is in the form of the Jetta, which has a number of unique design elements and a price tag that isn’t too high. The Sport’s standard equipment includes unique 17-inch wheels, black exterior and interior accents, and an electronically locking front differential for better performance than the rest of the lineup.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

Every Jetta delivers power to the front wheels with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 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. On our test track, our automated SEL test vehicle arrived 60 mph in 7.1 secondswhich is 0.6 seconds faster than The last automatic Jetta we tested, With the pedals off, the Jetta’s performance up to a quarter mile is mostly unchanged, though it comes to 100 mph 0.6 seconds earlier than with the eight-speed auto. While the sedan has a comfortable and quiet ride, its light steering is intuitive but lacks a sense of precision. as compared to rivals Mazda 3The Jetta isn’t a roundabout racecar, but it does tend to lean into edgy corners when you go above the posted speed limit. Still, its quiet nature will satisfy those seeking self-effacing transportation.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The VW Jetta beat its EPA estimates during our 75-mph fuel-economy rout, returning an impressive 44 mpg with the six-speed manual. When using the eight-speed automatic, the Jetta returned 42 mpg on our highway test, which is still impressive. While there’s only a slight difference in EPA ratings for the new Jetta with the six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the base automatic is the most efficient, with an estimated 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. The three-pedal Jetta gets an EPA-rated 29 mpg and 42 mpg highway. The Jetta Sport, SE and SEL trims get slightly lower ratings due to equipment differences, with an EPA-rated 29 mpg for city driving and 40 mpg during highway cruise. For more information on the Jetta’s fuel economy, visit EPA website,

Interior, Comfort & Cargo

Inside, the Jetta offers a refined design and generous passenger space. Although available features become more desirable with each higher trim, each caters to the cabin driver and boasts excellent outward visibility. Top stuff like customizable ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging and ventilated front seats are reserved for the most expensive model. Surprisingly, the Jetta had more carry-on bags than the regular Golf hatchback. The sedan held seven bags in its trunk, compared to the five that fit behind the Golf’s back seat. Similarly, the Jetta had three additional bags (18 in total) from the Golf, with the rear seats folded down. The Jetta’s interior cubby storage includes useful door pockets and a deep center-console bin.

Infotainment & Connectivity

Every Jetta gets a responsive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Along with traditional volume and tuning knobs, the car-net unit allows for gesture controls for swiping and pinch-to-zoom. Similarly, as long as people are willing to pay for a subscription-based data plan, there’s a mobile hotspot in every Jetta. Wireless charging is standard on the top two trim levels.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Even the entry-level Jetta comes with some standard driver-assistance tech, and advanced equipment like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are all available. For more information on the Jetta’s crash-test results, visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key security features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control available with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Volkswagen has a longer-than-average limited warranty and below-average powertrain coverage. To offset the latter, the company offers some complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles

More Features and Specifications