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2018 Volkswagen Jetta

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OEM Interior Primary
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 1.4T S 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $18,645
2018 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $20,345
2018 1.4T SE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $21,245
2018 1.8T SE Sport 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,245
2018 1.8T SEL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $26,245
2018 2.0T GLI 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $29,545

Overview

Today’s Volkswagen Jetta is larger and more polished than its predecessors, while supplying the most affordable gateway to the brand. In the 2018 Jetta, Volkswagen offers something for nearly everyone, from basic to sporty to premium.

What's New for 2018

The most significant news for 2018 is an upgrade to the Jetta’s warranty. Volkswagen's “People First Warranty” is a six-year or 72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty that’s also fully transferable. Other changes involve mostly package upgrades as well as the introduction of a Wolfsburg Edition that's slotted between the S and SE grades.

Volkswagen Jetta

Choosing Your Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen offers the 2018 Jetta in six trims: S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and GLI. The sedan seats five, but three adults will struggle to squeeze into the rear seat despite ample legroom. Cargo volume measures 15.5 cubic feet, the largest size in the class and better than some mid-size models. Additional storage space can be had by folding forward the 60/40-split rear seatback. A passthrough is available for longer items.

Three engine choices are available, beginning with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It's the only engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available and standard elsewhere. Models equipped with the manual gearbox are the most fuel efficient, delivering an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway.

A 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 170 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque delivers an EPA-estimated 24/33 mpg city/highway. Exclusive to the top-of-the-line GLI is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an output of 210 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. This model makes an EPA-estimated 24/33 mpg city/highway.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.4T S

Priced from $19,495 (prices include $850 destination fee), the Jetta S is one of three trims powered by the base engine. Add $1,000 for the available automatic transmission. Standard features include halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, power-folding heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, cloth seats, a 5.0-inch color touchscreen display, one USB port, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. An available Cold Weather Package ($495) adds heated front seats and heater washer nozzles.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.4T Wolfsburg Edition

The all-new Wolfsburg Edition, powered by the 1.4-liter engine, starts at $21,195. This model builds on the S and adds different 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a front sport bumper with fog lights, leather garnish, imitation leather seats, heated front seats, and Wolfsburg badging.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.4T SE

Starting at $22,095 and powered by the 1.4-liter engine, the SE adds a new chrome grille, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, and an upgraded 6.33-inch touchscreen display with HD Radio and smartphone integration. This model also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.8T SE Sport

With a starting price of $24,095, the SE Sport is one of two models with the 1.8-liter, 170-hp engine. Upgrades here include a black radiator grille, 17-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, rear spoiler, window trim, side mirror caps, gloss black interior trim, and black headliner.

Volkswagen Jetta

1.8T SEL

Also powered by the 1.8-liter engine, the SEL edition is priced from $27,095. This model has unique 17-inch wheels and adds amenities such as dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, a glovebox with a cooling feature, navigation, an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Volkswagen Jetta

2.0T GLI

The top-of-the-range GLI is the best equipped Jetta model and starts at $30,395. It's the only Jetta powered by the 2.0-liter engine. This model comes with a unique front fascia, new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, upgraded front sport seats, LED taillights, and front and rear park assist.

CarsDirect Tip

With a generous amount of standard equipment, the base S trim is an ideal model to consider. Add in the Cold Weather Package and you’re looking at a well-equipped small sedan for under $20,000.

Get your price on a Volkswagen Jetta »

author image
Contributing Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

Due to be replaced with a new model this year, the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta remains a practical offering in the compact sedan class. While it offers a pleasant ride, strong turbo engine choices, and a generous warranty, the Jetta's expensive upper trim levels, conservative looks, and lack of available safety technology on lower grades hold it back.

Best Value

Prices for the 2018 Jetta start at $19,495 for a manually-equipped, 1.4-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder base S model and top out at $30,395 for an automatic-equipped, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder GLI. Between those two are four additional trim levels for 2018 – Wolfsburg, SE, SE Sport, and SEL. The 1.4-liter turbo is also fitted to the Wolfsburg and SE, while the SE Sport and SEL receive a third engine – a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

All seven models feature the usual power features plus heated outside mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a generous six-year/72,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on SE and above trims, while adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking systems are standard and only available on the SEL model.

We'd skip both the base S and the Wolfsburg and head straight to the SE trim that, in addition to the blind-spot monitor, adds a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette seats (heated in front), keyless push-button start, and a larger 6.3-inch touchscreen with satellite radio. We'd also opt for the five-speed manual but, being realistic, most buyers will choose the six-speed automatic.

Here, then, is how it would look:

  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Jetta SE
  • Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Output: 150 hp / 184 lb-ft
  • Transmission:Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • MPG: 28 City / 38 Hwy
  • Options: Six-speed automatic transmission ($1,000)
  • Base Price: $22,095 (including an $850 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price:$23,095

Performance

Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta delivers a composed, well-controlled ride with steering that's precise and nicely weighted. The standard 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivers excellent fuel economy and strong acceleration with maximum torque available at a very usable 1,400 rpm. For a sportier driving experience, the Jetta GLI offers crisp and polished handling, aided by a more powerful engine, sticky tires, and a quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox.

Even with their larger wheels and tires, neither the SE Sport nor SEL can be called sport sedans. The six-speed automatic can feel clunky at low speeds, and the 20 horsepower boost of the 2.0-liter over the 1.4-liter engine isn't enough to justify the four mpg hit the EPA says you'll likely see. The slick-handling GLI isn't available with a manual transmission.

Style

The Jetta's restrained sheetmetal is wrapped around an equally inoffensive interior that delivers on space in spades – especially in back with its close-to-mid-size 38 inches of leg room and 37.2 inches of head room. The leatherette found in most models looks good and should wear better than the real thing, while all models get seats with adjustable lumbar that – in all but the S trim – are heated in front.

On the flip side, a leather-trimmed interior isn't offered, numerous switch blanks surround the gear lever, and, while the fit is very good, the mish-mash of hard plastic trim pieces looks cheap – which might be tolerable on the base model, but totally unacceptable on the $30,000 GLI.

The Best and Worst Things

The 2018 Jetta's clean design, ride comfort, and strong acceleration continue to make it competitive in its class, but a cheap-looking interior and lack of advanced safety features across the lineup could prove to be a turn-off for many buyers.

Right For? Wrong For?

Volkswagen Jetta

The Jetta's smooth ride, interior space, and excellent fuel economy should prove to be attractive to eco-friendly buyers.

At the same time, a dearth of safety features – only a rearview camera is standard across the lineup – mean safety-focused drivers need not apply.

The Bottom Line

Despite a smooth ride, excellent fuel economy, and a generous warranty, the Jetta's cheap-looking interior and lack of advanced safety features across the lineup only place it mid-pack in the compact sedan class.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 150 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 5-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd Tiptronic w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 40 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.4L I-4 / 150 HP / 184 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 40 / 33 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
14.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$55
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
94 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
183.4 "
Exterior Width
70.0 "
Exterior Height
57.2 "
Front Headroom
38.2 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
41.2 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,930 Lbs. / 3,009 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
18.2 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Climatic
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 72,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2018 Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Volkswagen
1.4T S
Color: Silver
Price

$13,798

Mileage

47,538 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (855) 404-2728

Other Volkswagen Jetta Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Volkswagen Jetta years that you might be interested in.

Volkswagen
SE
Color: Gray
Price

$16,899

Mileage

61,955 mi

Map location icon

Nissan of Mission Hills (24 mi)

Phone: (747) 600-2312
Volkswagen
S
Color: White
Price

$16,998

Mileage

37,746 mi

Map location icon

Nissan of Mission Hills (24 mi)

Phone: (747) 600-2312
Volkswagen
SE
Color: 0Q0Q
Price

$16,995

Mileage

36,821 mi

Map location icon

Volkswagen of San Bernardino (64 mi)

Phone: (909) 963-1439
See All Used Car Listings

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