| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Efficient powertrain | Pokey base powertrain | Two-tone wheel design on the S trim |
Relatively good value for money offering | Not a lot of standard driver aids | Additional chrome exterior details |
Spacious rear seat | Grabby brakes | Power-adjustable driver's seat SE and SEL trims |
Sleek and timeless design | Updated MIB3 infotainment system for SEL and SEL Premium |
$18,995
price147 hp @ 5000 rpm
horsepower184 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm
torque6-Speed Manual
transmission1.5L 4cyl FWD 6M
engine-
basic warrantyThe Volkswagen Jetta is the German car manufacturer’s most-selling model that has gathered a lot of fanbase in the past few years due to the best driving dynamics that the car offers in the segment. The powertrain on the Jetta is a turbocharged 1.4L inline-4 that has a lot of punch and can also be teamed up with a manual gearbox to make the drive interesting and engaging.
We'd recommend the mid-level R-Line model because of the enhanced exterior styling that makes it more attractive while also equipping the car with a blind-spot monitor, passive entry, and two-tone faux-leather upholstery that breaks up the otherwise bland-looking interior. The Cold Weather kit is the only option and one we'd recommend for anyone who lives in colder climes thanks to the heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, remote start, and more.
The Jetta poses a very interesting balance between simple design and punchy performance, while also providing the peace of mind of German engineering right at one’s foot. It goes against the Honda Civic, the Kia Forte, and the Hyundai Elantra - all of the cars enjoying massive popularity and also being the more economical offerings in the American car market.
For 2021, the Jetta comes with a total of five trims which are S, R-Line, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. The base S trim comes at $18,995 for the manual version and comes with features like LED Headlights, 16” black alloy wheels, App-Connect, rear traffic alert, and a few more goodies. Spending a few more bucks can get you the R-Line trim which in our opinion looks amazing in those sporty sneakers. The higher trims are very well-equipped and do have a lot of latest tech on offer, with the amenities increasing as one climbs the trim hierarchy.
|
Trim |
S |
R-Line |
SE |
SEL |
SEL Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$18,995 |
$22,795 |
$22,895 |
$25,745 |
$28,045 |
|
Key Features |
Driving Mode Selection |
Adaptive Cruise Control |
Automatic headlights |
Intelligent Crash Response System |
Hydraulic Brake Assist |
|
Electromechanical power steering with variable assistance |
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit |
Start-stop system |
Tire Pressure Monitoring System |
Electronic Differential Lock |
|
|
Rear Traffic Alert |
High Beam Control |
Power-operated side mirrors |
Engine Brake Assist |
Side Window Deflectors |
|
|
Heated Windshield Washer Nozzles |
Electric Parking Brake |
Lane-Keeping System |
Anti-Slip Regulation |
Base Carrier Bars |
|
|
Rain-sensing Windshield wipers |
Panoramic Sunroof |
Electronic Stability Control |
V tex Leatherette Seating Surfaces |
Universal Tablet Holder |
|
|
Anti-Lock Braking System |
Blind Spot Monitor |
Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution |
Side Curtain Protection |
17” Multi-Spoke Wheels |
Which trim should you buy?
We'd recommend the mid-level R-Line model because of the enhanced exterior styling that makes it more attractive while also equipping the car with a blind-spot monitor, passive entry, and two-tone faux-leather upholstery that breaks up the otherwise bland-looking interior. The Cold Weather kit is the only option and one we'd recommend for anyone who lives in colder climes thanks to the heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, remote start, and more.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is the only one of the bunch that equips an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT but that doesn’t hinder the MPG rating of the German sedan. The EPA rates the Jetta at 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway; for a combined 34 MPG from its 13.2-gallon fuel tank. Opting for the manual gearbox does help in increasing these numbers slightly on the highway and combined, but the difference is negligible.
|
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Kia Forte |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
29 |
30 |
29 |
33 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
39 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
33 |
33 |
33 |
37 |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity |
13.2 gallons |
12.4 gallons |
14.0 gallons |
14.0 gallons |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined; miles) |
383/515/436 |
372/471/409 |
406/560/462 |
462/602/518 |
The Elantra has class-leading fuel economy figures and combined with a big fuel tank, it also dominates the range by a massive margin when compared to the Jetta. The Jetta, on the other hand, might be a very economy-friendly car but it is one-upped by the rivals due to the CVT gearbox the rivals come with and also due to the engine tuning.
Volkswagen is famous for designing a cabin that looks sophisticated and has a very simple layout. The seats themselves are very comfortable and even for longer journeys, they hold you quite well. The rear seat space is also quite generous and three medium-size adults can be quite comfortable here. The only thing is due to the sloping roofline, the side occupants may hit their head on the side pillars if they are tall. Also in the models with no sunroof, the glass area might feel a bit less making this somewhat claustrophobic at times when all seats are occupied.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta comes with a cargo capacity of 14.1 cubic feet which is more than enough for all of one’s daily needs. Even for some weekend trips, this can easily store luggage for four or five occupants. Given that the opening is quite wide and the lip is also quite low, it is considerably easy to utilize all the space inside. There is also a false flooring under which is the spare tire.
|
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Kia Forte |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
38.5/55.9/41.1 |
39.3/57.0/42.3 |
38.8/56.1/42.2 |
40.6/56.5/42.3 |
|
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
37.2/54.0/37.4 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.5/55.3/35.7 |
37.3/55.6/38.0 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
14.1 |
15.1 |
15.3 |
14.2 |
The Elantra has the most space in both the front row and the second row, but is a bit less wide than the Civic, losing out on the shoulder room. The Jetta’s cabin can be termed as cramped in no way due to the massive legroom and a very decent overall roomy feel that the big windshield provides. The cabin quality is surely one of the better ones and the seats offer a lot of comfort on drives. That said, some of the highlighting interior features include:
Just like all other Volkswagen group cars these days, the Jetta is also brimming with technology inside the cabin. To start with, there is a big 8-inch touchscreen in the middle which supports the infotainment system and comes with Volkswagen’s own preloaded software. The screen is super responsive with punchy colors and big icons making it quite easy to use and navigate. It is also super bright making the readability under direct sunlight no issue at all. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with all other basic connectivity features.
This display is supplemented by a 10.65-inch digital driver’s display and while it is pretty much similar to the ones we see in VW Group’s other premium offerings, this has got to be one of the best displays in the competition. Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are:
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is one very beautifully designed car that looks quite fresh and pleasing to the eyes. It has that unmistakable German hint to the designing with smooth defined lines flowing throughout the car that flaunts the dimensions of the car quite well. The big front grill running across the length and joining the two headlamps in the front has now become quite a trademark thing in all the Volkswagen cars and above that, the thick chrome strip is just the right amount of chrome we like to see on any car.
On the sides, the base trim gets 16-inch wheels while the upper trim levels get up to 18-inch wheels and they do compromise the riding comfort a bit. The sharp waistline going through the door handles and merging into the taillights at the back shows how long the car is.
|
Models |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Kia Forte |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2,895 |
2,762 |
2,707 |
2,844 |
|
Length (inches) |
185.1 |
182.7 |
182.7 |
184.1 |
|
Width (inches) |
70.8 |
70.9 |
70.9 |
71.9 |
|
Height (inches) |
57.4 |
55.7 |
56.5 |
55.7 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
5.6 |
6.3 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
105.7 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
107.1 |
Talking about the dimensions, the Jetta is pretty much the longest car here but surprisingly the one with the smallest wheelbase. It is also the tallest one of the bunch while the width is the least, which is pretty evident in the lower shoulder room inside the cabin. The Jetta is definitely the bigger car here and also carries the most weight which aids in its sure-footedness. That said, some of the standout exterior features are:
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has been fitted with Automatic Emergency Braking as standard and that, along with the already impressive safety prowess, has helped the car in scoring some good points in the crash tests. The NHTSA has awarded the car with a total of 5 stars in overall safety rating while the IIHS gave it top marks on all its crash tests parameters.
The car is brimming with safety tech but the standard safety aid list is rather scarce and needs going up the trim hierarchy. Needless to say, the Jetta is a supremely safe car and is pretty much enough to keep your family safe in it. Some of the highlighting safety features are:
The Honda Civic is one of the hottest sellers in the compact sedan class and that is for a reason. It looks good, has a punchy drivetrain, is spacious and practical as well. The prime reason of the popularity is the Civic's all-rounder character, offering unmatched reliability, cavernous interiors, and cargo space. The Jetta, on the other hand, provides a very tough build quality, a well-engineered driving experience, good cargo space and a road presence which is much better than the Civic’s.
The Kia Forte is a lot cheaper and better value-packed than the Jetta. It does offer a lot in terms of performance and MPG, while the cabin is decent and up to the segment’s standards. It is also a bit conservative in terms of design and here is where the Jetta one-ups the Kia Forte with its handsome styling, well-appointed interior, powerful engine, and a roomy cabin that is way better than the Forte's.
The Hyundai Elantra and the Volkswagen Jetta are probably standing at two completely opposite ends of the spectrum. While the Jetta is a rather conventional-looking design, the Elantra is as crazy as designing can get. While the Elantra scores quite well when it comes to fuel efficiency and is also reasonably spacious inside, the Jetta wins when it comes to the overall value for money.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offers tremendous comfort and a very well-appointed interior that, in no way, looks less premium than a German car should be. Although not as over-engineered as a typical German, the Jetta’s powertrain is one of the quickest in the segment but that does affect MPGs a bit. If you want an understated car that is comfortable for city ups and downs and is also fuel-efficient, it is the perfect car for you.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #1 | 7.7 sec | - | 127 mph | |||
2021 Acura ILX Ranked #2 | 7.8 sec | 15.5 sec | 110 mph | |||
2021 Kia Forte Ranked #3 | 7.9 sec | 16.2 sec | 123 mph | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Ranked #4 | 8.9 sec | 17.4 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Subaru Impreza Ranked #5 | 9 sec | 17 sec | - | |||
2021 Nissan Sentra Ranked #6 | 9.1 sec | 17.0 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #2 | 30 mpg | 41 mpg | 34 mpg | 13.5 gal. | 405/553.5 mi. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 33 mpg | 43 mpg | 37 mpg | 12.4 gal. | 409.2/533.2 mi. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Ranked #3 | 30 mpg | 38 mpg | 33 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 396/501.6 mi. | |||
2021 Nissan Sentra Ranked #3 | 29 mpg | 39 mpg | 33 mpg | 12.4 gal. | 359.6/483.6 mi. | |||
2021 Mazda 3 Ranked #4 | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/475.2 mi. | |||
2021 Kia Forte Ranked #4 | 27 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | 14 gal. | 378/518 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #1 | 185.1 in. | 70.8 in. | 57.6 in. | 5.6 in. | 105.7 in. | |||
2021 Mazda 3 Ranked #2 | 183.5 in. | 70.7 in. | 56.9 in. | 5.5 in. | 107.3 in. | |||
2021 Nissan Sentra Ranked #3 | 182.7 in. | 71.5 in. | 56.9 in. | 4.8 in. | 106.8 in. | |||
2021 Kia Forte Ranked #3 | 182.7 in. | 70.9 in. | 56.5 in. | 5.3 in. | 106.3 in. | |||
2021 Subaru Impreza Ranked #3 | 182.7 in. | 70 in. | 57.3 in. | 5.1 in. | 105.1 in. | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Ranked #4 | 182.3 in. | 70.1 in. | 56.5 in. | 5.1 in. | 106.3 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #5 | 14.1 cu.ft. | 94.7 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Ranked #1 | 13.1 cu.ft. | 88.6 cu.ft. | 176 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Kia Forte Ranked #2 | 15.3 cu.ft. | 96 cu.ft. | 108.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #3 | 14.2 cu.ft. | 114 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Acura ILX Ranked #4 | 12.4 cu.ft. | 89.3 cu.ft. | 13.5 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Subaru Impreza Ranked #5 | 12.3 cu.ft. | 99.8 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #1 | - | 14.1 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Toyota Corolla Ranked #2 | 176 cu.ft. | 13.1 cu.ft. | 176 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Mazda 3 Ranked #3 | - | 13.2 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Subaru Impreza Ranked #4 | - | 12.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2021 Kia Forte Ranked #5 | 108.8 cu.ft. | 15.3 cu.ft. | 108.8 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #6 | 48.9 cu.ft. | 14.2 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #1 | 882 lbs. | 2895 lbs. | |||
2021 Mazda 3 Ranked #1 | - | 2984 lbs. | |||
2021 Acura ILX Ranked #1 | 906 lbs. | 3095 lbs. | |||
2021 Nissan Sentra Ranked #1 | 921 lbs. | 3036 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 1080 lbs. | 2725 lbs. | |||
2021 Subaru Impreza Ranked #1 | 1252 lbs. | 2976 lbs. |
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POPULAR TAGS
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 23, 2024
I purchased my car in 2022 with Almost 10 thousand miles on it. It is an automatic transmission with regular, eco and sport mode as well as the option to drive it as a manual transmission car. It has a 1.4 liter turbo engine and it performs quite well despite its size. I get approximately 30 miles per gallon when I use the regular mode. It goes up to 33 miles per gallon when the economy mode is u...
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 23, 2024
I purchased a 2020 white Volkswagen Jetta and it was the best investment I've made. I love the car. It is a stick shift and the clutch engages very quickly and smooth. My Jetta gets good gas mileage and is very reliable. It has black interior and seats 5 people comfortably
