2022 Volkswagen Jetta

A mid-life refresh for Volkswagen’s Jetta sedan brings a restyled nose and tail plus different wheels, while a 1.5-liter TSI gas engine is now fitted to every model. Safety has been improved with blind-spot monitoring, plus autonomous emergency braking on higher models; VW’s Digital Cockpit is standard across the range alongside WiFi capabilities.

The 2022 Jetta range is easy to navigate, with one engine, two transmission choices, and four trims.

Prices start at $21,190 including destination for a base S with manual transmission, with Sport less than $1,000 more. There’s a bigger jump to the $25,185 SE, with a standard automatic transmission (it’s an $800 option on S and Sport), while auto-only SEL will set you back $28,970.

Every 2022 Jetta is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine. It produces 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, fed through the front wheels via your choice (on lower trims) of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Manual Jettas return an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon city, 43 mpg highway, and 34 combined. Automatics manage 31/41/35 mpg in lower trim, but the extra equipment in SE and SEL models sees this drop to 29/40/33 respectively.

For more power and a sportier ride, be sure to check out the Volkswagen GLI.

Cargo capacity for the five-seater 2022 Jetta sedan stands at 14.1 cu ft with the rear seats in place.

Six airbags are fitted to every 2022 Jetta, while driver aids include a post-collision braking system and automatic deactivation of the fuel pump. Every trim receives blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, cruise control, and pedestrian monitoring, but you’ll need an SE to benefit from rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control or forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking as standard.

Every 2022 Jetta receives Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit instrumentation, alongside a 6.5-inch color touchscreen with two-band radio. There’s app connection and Bluetooth plus two USB data ports in every dash, though audiophiles will favor the BeatsAudio system fitted to SEL models. This is also the only trim to receive wireless charging, navigation or a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen.

The most affordable Jetta rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, with automatic LED headlights and taillights alongside power heated side mirrors. The cabin is more basic with cloth seating and lots of manual adjustment, though it does provide a multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, and cruise control.

The $955 Driver Assistance pack is well worth adding to either S or Sport models since it combines adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, and autonomous braking with rain-sensitive wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and gearshift knob, plus an automatically dimming rearview mirror.

The nominal price increase means there are only a few improvements on Sport models, including larger 17-inch wheels and black external detailing. Sports bolstered seats receive contrasting stitching, there’s a black headliner and central armrest on the rear seat, ambient lighting, and a cross-differential system.

SE is far better equipped than cheaper models, and it’s the first Jetta with features like rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and an engine start/stop system. The leatherette seats include power adjustment for the driver alongside lumbar adjustment and heating for both front-seat occupants. Dual-zone climate cools a cabin with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control.

A power sunroof is an $850 option, but there are no other options available on SE.

Investing in SEL trim seems worthwhile when you consider it comes with a power panoramic sunroof, memory mirrors and driver’s seat, heating for outboard rear-seat passengers and full leather for everyone. Even the steering wheel is heated, while a BeatsAudio system replaces the stock stereo and wireless device charging is bundled in. The infotainment screen expands to an eight-inch display with HD radio and navigation, and the digital cockpit in lesser models expands to 10.25 inches with 21 viewing options. Heated windshield washer nozzles and LED projector headlights are also standard, alongside customizable ambient lighting.

Compare Jetta Trims Side-By-Side