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2017 Volkswagen Jetta review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volkswagen Jetta highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Intuitive touchscreen and tech interface
  • Spacious backseat and big trunk
  • Four-cylinder engine options offer balanced performance

Cons

  • Handling and performance are no more than average
  • Interior materials feel subpar
  • Sporty GLI model isn't as high-performance as you'd expect

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year
Mileage

All Volkswagen Jetta years

What is new for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?

  • The Jetta is available in a new trim called the GLI.
  • The GLI SE and GLI SEL trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Jetta trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • The SE trim now comes with Leatherette Seats and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The SEL Premium trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

Volkswagen Jetta photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

1. Three engine options

Whether you need an economical commuter, a family-friendly car, or a sporty ride, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta's three engine options have you covered. The base turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission checks the boxes with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.

 Stepping up to the SEL's turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission delivers more power (170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque) and returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.
 If acceleration is what you're after, the 2017 Jetta GLI's turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine makes 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine truly has a passion for performance.

2. Pleasing handling

2017 Volkswagen Jetta S, SE, and SEL models include a four-corner independent suspension that ensures a comfortable passenger experience. You'll love how smooth this sedan rides when commuting to the office or enjoying extended road trips. The Jetta also provides responsive steering wheel feedback to help you feel more connected to the road. The GLI ups the ante with a sport-tuned suspension that provides firmer responses as you hug corners and embrace bends.

3. Room for cargo

If you're looking for a compact sedan that can handle transporting passengers and their gear, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has a lot to offer. With 15.7 cu-ft of trunk volume, you'll have space for shopping bags, sporting equipment, or luggage for weekend getaways. SE and higher trims also include 60/40-split folding rear seats with a pass-through to easily accommodate longer items like skis or lumber for DIY projects. Accessing the cargo area is simple with a trunk release button on the remote key fob, which comes standard.

4. Comfy cabin

The five-passenger 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has a spacious interior that makes it feel more midsize than compact. Taller passengers won't feel cramped, with 41.2 inches of front seat legroom and 38.1 inches in the back. The VW's front seats are also very comfortable and supportive, which is essential for long drives. Cloth upholstery is standard in the Jetta S, but you'll find leatherette seating surfaces with heated front seats on SE and higher trims. This compact sedan also includes six-way adjustable front seats and interior ambient lighting.

5. Driver-friendly tech

All trims of the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta feature Bluetooth® connectivity with audio streaming, a USB port, and a rearview monitor for your convenience. In addition, SE and higher trims include Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect, which provides Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, and MirrorLink® connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. For extra confidence on your drive, 2017 Jetta SE models and higher also include blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a great sedan with amazing mpg and comfort. The car runs smooth, good on gas and has a classic look and feel to it. Based on customer reviews, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a great sedan with amazing mpg and comfort.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Jetta an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Jetta 25th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

150

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

14.5

Wheelbase

104.4"

Overall length

183.3"

Width

70"

Height

57.2"

Leg room

F 41.2"/R 38.1"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 37.1"

Front tires

P205/55HR16

Rear tires

P205/55HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 5

2017 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

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