MODEL REVIEW
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta at a Glance
If you’re looking for a compact sedan with style and power beyond its size for your travels around Union, Newark, and Elizabeth, NJ, you may want to consider the Volkswagen Jetta. Named for the German word for jet stream, it’s ready to cut through the air swiftly as it takes on the road.
While the VW Jetta debuted in 1979, it continues to be a progressive machine. The team at Toms Volkswagen of Union has crafted this review to show you how this steadfast sedan can elevate your drive in all ways important. Ready to jet ahead? Let’s go!
HORSEPOWER
158 HP
EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
29 city/39hwy MPG*
CARGO VOLUME
14.1 cu. ft.
PASSENGER VOLUME
94.7 cu. ft.
2025 NHTSA 5-STAR OVERALL SAFETY RATING
Yes
VW DIGITAL COCKPIT
Standard
IQ.DRIVE® SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
Standard
Meet the Volkswagen Jetta
Explore the categories below to discover more about the features of the Volkswagen Jetta.
PERFORMANCE
You may look at the Volkswagen Jetta and see it as fun-sized. You’ll soon discover that it’s also a joy to drive, proving to be the perfect blend of fun and functional. Plus, its stellar fuel efficiency enables you to travel longer and limit fuel stops—now, that’s fun!
Playful Power
Size plays favorably into this sedan’s agile handling and ability to take on narrow streets, sharp turns, and smaller parking spots. Of course, when it comes to the heart of a vehicle, you’ve got to look at its powertrain. In the case of the VW Jetta, that’s the 1.5L turbocharged TSI® engine that generates 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
To harness that power and send the appropriate amount to the wheels, an 8-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shifting. It includes Sport Mode, which automatically adjusts throttle response, gear shifts, acceleration, steering, and more to prioritize performance for a more aggressive drive.
Fuel Sipper
Regardless of which of its four trims you choose, you’ll enjoy an efficient ride, with an EPA-estimated 29 city/39 highway MPG.* Because your Volkswagen makes the most of every drop in the tank, you can keep the fun going mile after mile.
Two standard features help conserve fuel: electric power steering (EPS) and the engine start-stop system. EPS is generally lighter than a hydraulic system and doesn't constantly draw power, so your vehicle will use less fuel. The start-stop system will turn off the engine when idling, like when you brake for a traffic light, so you’re not burning fuel while stationary. It will automatically restart when you move your foot to the accelerator.
DESIGN
The overall stance of the VW Jetta is likewise economical, although its style is substantial, including two new exterior paints for the latest model year: Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray. From the sleek, sculpted body to its clean, minimalist interior, the proof is in the details—and the Volkswagen Jetta has them in spades.
Streamlined Exterior
The chiseled exterior of the VW Jetta is aerodynamic, cutting through the air like the jet stream it’s named for. Its new front fascia features upper and lower grilles and LED headlights. Meanwhile, an available grille-integrated LED light bar allows you to see and be seen, shining a spotlight on the road ahead.
Speaking of illumination, show off your sporty side with the VW Jetta Sport trim that adds bold Black accents, XDS® Cross Differential System for optimal traction, 17-inch alloy wheels, and stainless steel pedals. On select trims, you can enjoy lots of natural light and fresh air with the available power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof that also offers great views of the sky above.
Elegant Interior
Step inside the VW Jetta, and you’ll enter a contemporary cabin with a driver-centric cockpit. Its minimalist layout provides everything you need and nothing you don’t. Sink into the standard cloth seating (CloudTex leatherette and Vienna leather are also available) as you take your place behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.
Increase the luxury quotient with standard and available features that include:
- Climatronic® Touch dual-zone automatic climate control
- Lumbar support
- Heated/ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- 10-color ambient interior lighting
Still, the 94.7 cubic feet of passenger space allotted to everyone on board proves that even the base trim of the VW Jetta is anything but basic:
Headroom (front/rear) | Legroom (front/rear) | Cargo Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 38.5/37.2 inches | 41.1/37.4 inches | 14.1 cubic feet |
Who will join you on your next adventure?
TECHNOLOGY
Innovations abound in the Volkswagen Jetta. They range from infotainment features that will keep you informed and engaged while on the road to ones designed to help keep you and your passengers safe—even when the unexpected happens. Plus, the standard myVW App provides service reminders, maintenance schedules, and access to roadside assistance, enabling you to remain both connected and protected.
Innovative Infotainment
The VW Jetta comes fully equipped with everything you’ll need, beginning with the standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and its 8-inch digital instrument display. Use the floating 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and App-Connect to access your music, apps, and maps via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™.
Additional next-level infotainment technologies include a larger touchscreen with integrated navigation, wireless charging, Volkswagen Car-Net® Hotspot, and the 9-speaker BeatsAudio® premium sound system. Every trip in the Volkswagen Jetta becomes even more enjoyable, turning miles into smiles. Who knows? It may even prompt you to take the long way home.
Safety Comes Standard
Because Volkswagen takes safety as seriously as you do, all trims of the VW Jetta come standardly outfitted with IQ.DRIVE®, an array of advanced driver-assistance technologies. These features serve as an extra set of eyes, a vigilant virtual copilot to help protect you and everyone on board:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Pedestrian Monitoring)
- Lane Assist and Travel Assist
- And more
Once again, for the latest model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Volkswagen Jetta a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, its highest designation. As such, you can be fully confident whenever you get behind the wheel.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. The Competition
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The Volkswagen Jetta and the Honda Civic are nearly identical in many ways. So, it comes down to minor details. The panoramic sunroof in the VW Jetta spans both rows, compared to the regular moonroof in the Civic. You’ll also have twice the interior color options and a standard Blind Spot Monitor watching those hard-to-see areas. Turns out little things mean a lot.
Quick Facts
VW Jetta | vs | Civic |
|---|---|---|
| Available | PANORAMIC SUNROOF | Not Offered |
| 5 | INTERIOR COLORS | 2 |
| Standard | BLIND SPOT MONITOR | Available |
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The Volkswagen Jetta and the Hyundai Elantra are stars in the sleek sedan space. That said, the Volkswagen model shines brighter, especially in standard safety and comfort features. Adaptive Cruise Control and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard in the VW Jetta. Sadly, neither is true of the Elantra; that, along with its lesser horsepower, causes the Hyundai to dim by comparison.
Quick Facts
VW Jetta | vs | Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| 158 HP | STANDARD HORSEPOWER | 147 HP |
| Standard | ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | Available |
| Standard | DUAL-ZONE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL | Available |
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In comparing vehicles, more and bigger is generally better. More is advantageous when it comes to ambient lighting options that set the right mood. A bigger instrument display is desirable when viewing vital driving information. Then again, sometimes smaller is preferable; it makes maneuvering into parking spots a breeze. More, bigger, and smaller? Check, check, and check—checking all the boxes is the VW Jetta.
Quick Facts
VW Jetta | vs | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 10 colors | AMBIENT LIGHTING OPTIONS | 1 color |
| 8 inches | STANDARD DIGITAL INSTRUMENT DISPLAY | 7 inches |
| 186.5 inches | LENGTH | 193.5 inches |
Jet Off in the VW Jetta
In the Volkswagen Jetta, form meets function in a fashionable, fun-sized package that exceeds expectations. Are you ready to take flight? Drivers who want to try on the VW Jetta for size can contact Toms Volkswagen of Union to schedule a test drive. It’s time to enter the cockpit and pilot this forward-thinking sedan around Union, Newark, and Elizabeth, NJ.
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new Volkswagen Jetta for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Step into a New Volkswagen Jetta
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Volkswagen JettaValue Your TradeApply for FinancingSchedule a Test Drive*29 city/39 highway mpg (2025 Jetta 1.5L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.