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2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Rating7.2

Ranked #8 in

Compact Sedan

Write Review

$17,895 - $28,995

Starting Price

Year

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

Pros	Cons	What's New
Spacious back seat and large trunk space.	Subpar interior material quality.	Discontinued the Jetta Hybrid.
Handles as good as a compact sedan while being big.	Performance is just average for the class.	Features new rearview camera for all trims
Quite a user-friendly tech interface.		The infotainment system now offers USB connectivity.

Specs & Features

$18,995

price

150 hp @ 5000 rpm

horsepower

184 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

basic warranty

Overview

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan offered in 4 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $18,995. For that price, it mainly competes with the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, and the Hyundai Elantra. Between 4 trims, the Jetta offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine capable of making 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. If more power is required, there is also a 170 horsepower-making 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine. However, there is a choice between a 6-Speed Automatic transmission and a 5-Speed Manual Transmission.

The Jetta reaches 60 MPH from zero in 7.7 seconds on its base engine, which gets pushed down to 8.2 seconds with the 1.8L engine. Depending on the powertrain, the Jetta can manage a combined fuel economy between 32 and 29 MPG. While we're on the topic of choices, the 9 striking colors the Jetta comes in really pull you towards itself.

Buying Advice

Our recommendation for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is the SEL trim. This trim starts at a base MSRP of $24,995 and offers a more refined and reliable turbocharged engine. The SEL comes with all the features provided in S and SE trims along with tack-on forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta lineup has been reduced to four trim levels while the performance-oriented GTI is only available in the SE trim. A rearview camera is now standard on the base S trim while the Driver Assistance package has been made available on lower trim levels of the Jetta. The 2017 Jetta is a front-drive compact sedan that slots below the VW's midsize Passat.

The 2017 Jetta's price ranges from $17,895 up to $28,995. Owning a 2017 Jetta typically costs more to fuel, insure, repair, and maintain than it does other compact cars. The five years cos of ownership is estimated at $24,000 for the Jetta, which is two to three thousand dollars more than estimates for the Corolla and Civic.

Features
6.0/10

Volkswagen offers the 2017 Jetta in a simplified lineup comprising of four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and GLI. Base pricing for the Volkswagen Jetta starts off at just $17,895 for the 1.4 S and the range-topping GLI lists at $27,895.

Standard on the Jetta S are 16-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, air-conditioning, full power accessories, keyless entry, heated side mirrors, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a 5-inch touchscreen interface.

Trim	S	SE	SEL	GLI
MSRP	$17,895	$20,895	-	$27,895
MSRP	$18,995	$21,995	$24,995	$28,995
Key Features	LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	Features from S:	Features from SE:	Features from SE &:
	MP3/WMA-compatible CD player, AM/FM radio	Multi-function trip computer featuring trip time	Foglights	LED taillights
	Multi-function trip computer featuring trip time,	Trip length, average trip speed	Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control	Foglights
	Average trip speed, average trip fuel consumption		Multi-function trip computer featuring trip time, trip length	Climatronic dual-zone automatic
	Current fuel consumption, miles to empty, speed warning		Average trip speed, average trip fuel consumption	Premium color multi-function trip computer display
	Composition Color touchscreen sound system		Speed warning, current speed, and temperature	SD memory card reader, and voice control

Moving up to Jetta SE adds 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, heated washer nozzles, synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, a rear-seat pass-through, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a 6.3-inch touchscreen interface, and more.

The Jetta SEL comes with chrome exterior accents, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power driver seat, a cooled glovebox, a navigation system, and more.

The GLI is now offered in only one trim level. It comes with most of the features and adds 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling details, upgraded brakes, front and rear parking sensors.

We Recommend

We would suggest you go for the SE for the best value, features, and price in the Jetta. It's the trim topped up well with features so much so that, the GLI version is just more powerful with the same features.

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The front-wheel-drive 2017 Volkswagen Jetta S and SE models return an above-average fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic. VW claims the manual can return 33 mpg combined (28 city/40 highway).

Model	2017 Volkswagen Jetta	2017 Kia Forte	2017 Mazda 3	2017 Hyundai Elantra
MPG (city)	28	29	28	29
MPG (highway)	40	38	37	38
MPG (combined)	33	32	32	33

The ratings drop slightly for the Jetta SEL, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg combined (25 city/35 highway). In pricing terms that difference only amounts to an extra $100 to $250 in fuel costs each year.

Interior
6.0/10

"The Jetta's interior feels minimalist and clean, with DNA from its European cousin Audi. "- Kelley Blue Book

The Jetta, a compact sedan, offers room for five people with rear-seat legroom comparable to some midsize sedans. Most modern compact car rivals offer edgy designs, decent quality materials with a cabin stuffed with tech features, the VW Jetta has a traditional and composed design. Lower trims have a lot of hard and shiny plastic along with cloth upholstery. The higher trim will have upgrades such as synthetic leather seats, sport seats, and heated front seats.

Some rivals including Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda 3 offer more attractive, higher-quality, soft-touch interiors. Though the Jetta is comfortable and spacious, it lacks the upscale feel of rivals.

Model	2017 Volkswagen Jetta	2017 Kia Forte	2017 Mazda 3	2017 Hyundai Elantra
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.2/55.2/41.2	39.1/56.1/42.2	38.6/57.2/42.2	38.8/56.2/42.2
Second

Exterior
5.0/10

"Picture four wheels and four doors around four people. That's what a Jetta looks like." -Car Connection

Just like the minimalistic and sophisticated interior, the 2017 Jetta’s exterior styling favors composed over swooping lines, a big grille, or anything flashy. Volkswagen gives the Jetta a European refinement. The Jetta GLI gets a unique front fascia with a red line running across the grille, red brake calipers, and a small rear spoiler built into the trunk.

Model	2017 Volkswagen Jetta	2017 Kia Forte	2017 Mazda 3	2017 Hyundai Elantra
Curb weight	2939 lbs.	2,804 lbs.	2,967 lbs.	2,812 lbs.
Length	182.2"	179.5"	180.3"	179.9"
Width	70.0"	70.1"	70.7"	70.9"
Height	56.6"	56.3"	57.3"	56.5"
Ground clearance	5.2"	5.3"	6.1"	5.3"
Wheelbase	104.4"	106.3"	106.3"	106.3"

The Jetta's exterior design looks rectangular, and simple with durable styling cues that could only mean it's a VW. This has some advantages, including good outward visibility. At the rear, a spoiler on the trailing edge of the trunk lid along with LED taillights gives the Jetta a more premium look, perhaps hinting a bit at its Audi A4 big brother. Its curb weight ranges from 2,939 to 3,194 pounds. It is available in five body color options: Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Grey Metallic, Pure White, Silk Blue Metallic, and White Silver Metallic.

Exterior Features

Halogen Headlamps
LED daytime running lights
Glass Sunroof
Body-color bumpers
Hands-Free Entry (Finger sensor on door handles)
Remote Keyless power door locks
Dual steel exhaust pipes
Chrome grille
LED license plate illumination
Heated Mirrors
Turn Signal in side mirrors

Safety
9.0/10

The 2017 Jetta earned a five-star overall safety rating in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA. The IIHS gave the VW Jetta a Top Safety Pick+ designation, the agency's highest award. The sedan earner "Good" rating in all five categories of crashworthiness and an Advanced rating in the front crash prevention and mitigation test.

Every 2017 Jetta comes with a standard rearview camera now. Also, the Driver Assistance package, which is now available on lower trim levels, includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

Competition
8.0/10

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Vs 2017 Kia Forte

The 2017 Kia Forte looks flashier and offers a more premium feel, and technology features. This value of money compact car starts at a similar price but as you move higher it gets expensive than rivals. However, the 2017 Forte makes up for in practicality, and ample safety and tech features. Every model comes with an impressive amount of advanced safety features. Also, Kia's warranty is the best in class.

This sedan also has one of the highest predicted reliability ratings in its class. It's comfortable too, with the 2017 refresh adding more style to the spacious interior. It's smart with nimble performance.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Vs 2017 Mazda Mazda3

If you're after a fun-to-drive compact sedan with agile handling, the 2017 Mazda 3 ought to be on your list. Available in sedan, and hatchback body styles, this sprightly car has enthusiastic engines, agile handling, and a stable yet comfortable ride.

The interior is upscale as well. If the Jetta interior isn't as plush as you’d like, Mazda 3 is surely going to satisfy your taste buds. Though Mazda 3 offers a smaller trunk than Jetta, it is overall a good deal and a better choice between the two.

Final Verdict

The Volkswagen Jetta is a good car in many ways but nothing stands out for it to be a class leader. Most of the compact car rivals have what Jetta offers, in a better overall package. The VW Jetta is a safe choice if you are looking for an economical sedan with some German tuning. The midlevel SEL trim ups the horsepower without immediately increasing the price tag. The handling isn't engaging but it cruises confidently on the highway.

Trims

S
$17,895 onwards

Air-Conditioning
Cruise control
Foglights
Heated side mirrors
Keyless entry
Led daytime running lights
Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel

SE
$20,895 onwards

6.3-Inch touchscreen
Heated Front Seats
Heated washer nozzles
Keyless entry and ignition
Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
Sunroof

Sport
$22,175 onwards

17-inch aluminum Wheels
Front Fog/driving lights
Navigation system

SEL
$24,995 onwards

Adaptive cruise control
Cooled glovebox
Dual-Zone automatic climate control
Navigation system
Rain-Sensing wipers

SEL Premium
$26,995 onwards

Engine: 1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A
Horsepower: 170 hp @ 4800 rpm hp
Torque: 184 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top Speed: 127 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 29 mpg

GLI
$27,895 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 6M
Horsepower: 210 hp @ 5300 rpm hp
Torque: 207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top Speed: 155 mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg

2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs competitor's 0-60

Car Name	0-60 MPH	Quarter Mile	Top Speed
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #7	8.2 sec	14.5 sec	127 mph
2017 Audi A4 Ranked #1	5.7 sec	14.4 sec	130 mph
2017 Subaru WRX Ranked #2	6.1 sec	12.7 sec	116 mph
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan Ranked #3	7.5 sec	-	-
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Sedan Ranked #4	7.7 sec	15.8 sec	123 mph
2017 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #4	7.7 sec	15.9 sec	-

Car Name	MPG City	MPG Highway	MPG Combined	Fuel Tank Capacity	Range (C/H)
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #3	28 mpg	40 mpg	33 mpg	14.5 gal.	406/580 mi.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1	49 mpg	43 mpg	46 mpg	13 gal.	637/559 mi.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2	39 mpg	46 mpg	42 mpg	15.9 gal.	-
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2	39 mpg	45 mpg	42 mpg	15.9 gal.	620.1/715.5 mi.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan Ranked #2	43 mpg	41 mpg	42 mpg	14 gal.	602/574 mi.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #4	28 mpg	39 mpg	32 mpg	13.7 gal.	383.6/534.3 mi.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs competitor's dimensions

Car Name	Length	Width	Height	Ground Clearance	Wheelbase
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #10	183.3 in.	70 in.	57.2 in.	5.2 in.	104.4 in.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan Ranked #1	193.8 in.	73 in.	57.6 in.	5 in.	111.4 in.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Ranked #1	193.8 in.	73 in.	57.6 in.	6 in.	111.4 in.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Ranked #2	191.9 in.	72.2 in.	58.5 in.	5.4 in.	110.4 in.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan Ranked #3	191.8 in.	72.9 in.	58 in.	6 in.	112.2 in.
2017 Ford Fusion Ranked #4	191.7 in.	72.9 in.	58.1 in.	6 in.	112.2 in.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs competitor's trunk space

Car Name	Trunk Capacity	Passenger Volume	Max Trunk Volume
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #15	15.7 cu.ft.	94.1 cu.ft.	-
2017 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1	14.4 cu.ft.	95.8 cu.ft.	148.9 cu.ft.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Ranked #2	16.3 cu.ft.	106.1 cu.ft.	104.6 cu.ft.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan Ranked #3	13.3 cu.ft.	106.1 cu.ft.	13.3 cu.ft.
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Sedan Ranked #4	12 cu.ft.	102.8 cu.ft.	80.3 cu.ft.
2017 Ford Fiesta Ranked #4	12.8 cu.ft.	85.1 cu.ft.	224.5 cu.ft.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs competitor's cargo space

Car Name	Cargo Volume	Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area	Max Cargo Volume	Bed Length
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #1	-	15.7 cu.ft.	-	-
2017 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #2	13.8 cu.ft.	14.8 cu.ft.	13.8 cu.ft.	244 ft.
2017 Acura ILX Ranked #3	13.5 cu.ft.	12.3 cu.ft.	13.5 cu.ft.	-
2017 Buick Regal Ranked #4	70.2 cu.ft.	14.2 cu.ft.	70.2 cu.ft.	-
2017 Ford Fusion Ranked #5	83.1 cu.ft.	16 cu.ft.	93.8 cu.ft.	-
2017 Mazda 3 Ranked #6	47.1 cu.ft.	12.4 cu.ft.	47.1 cu.ft.	-

2017 Volkswagen Jetta vs competitor's towing capacity

Car Name	Towing Capacity	Payload Capacity	Weight
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #3	-	1078 lbs.	2939 lbs.
2017 Acura ILX Ranked #1	1500 lbs.	908 lbs.	3093 lbs.
2017 Buick Verano Ranked #2	1000 lbs.	-	3300 lbs.
2017 Ford Fusion Ranked #2	1000 lbs.	-	3431 lbs.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Ranked #2	1000 lbs.	1091 lbs.	3263 lbs.
2017 Kia Optima Ranked #3	-	-	3219 lbs.

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

Recalls

Investigations

154

Complaints

Overall Safety Rating

2017 Volkswagen Touareg

Horsepower : 280 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG Combined : 19 mpg

0-60 : 7.8 sec

2017 Volkswagen CC

Horsepower : 200 hp @ 5100 rpm

MPG Combined : 25 mpg

0-60 : 6.5 sec

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

Horsepower : 200 hp @ 5100 rpm

MPG Combined : 22 mpg

0-60 : 9.4 sec

2017 Volkswagen Passat

Horsepower : 170 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG Combined : 27 mpg

0-60 : 7.8 sec

2017 Volkswagen Beetle

Horsepower : 170 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG Combined : 28 mpg

0-60 : 7.4 sec

2017 Volkswagen Golf

Horsepower : 170 hp @ 4500 rpm

MPG Combined : 29 mpg

0-60 : 6.6 sec

2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Horsepower : 150 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG Combined : 33 mpg

0-60 : 8.2 sec

2017 Volkswagen E-Golf Electric

Horsepower : 134 hp

MPG Combined : 119 mpg

0-60 : 9.6 sec

2017 Volkswagen Jetta User Reviews

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[1 Reviews]

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POPULAR TAGS

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Tieira l lewis

2017 Volkswagen Jetta

S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: July 4, 2024

I love my vw

Pros - ["The ac man the air blow is amazing", "The smooth ride it's like a cloud"]

Cons - ["The miles when I got it it had 200 miles", "The upper control arm is bent and I don't have the money to fix it"]

This is my baby I love her the ride is amazing the ac and heat blows crazy good on gas and the trunk is big I have so much room in the rear the front as well I got my sister to get a vw Jetta just l like me so we love it

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