2019 Volkswagen Jetta review
Volkswagen Jetta highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Ride comfort to rival luxury vehicles
- Plenty of storage space throughout the cabin
- Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity
Cons
- Brakes feel grabby at lower speeds such as when in traffic
- Complex steering wheel controls
- Cabin materials feel plasticky
Mileage (EPA estimate)
30 city, 40 highway, 34 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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A roomy, stylish, and tech-laden compact sedan
If you're shopping for a compact sedan, chances are that you're looking to find a roomy, stylish car with lots of technology features. The Jetta has been squarely focused on the task of daily driving since 1979. With the start of its seventh generation (2019 to present), the Jetta has been redesigned for those who value versatility, a roomy cabin, and a nice ride. The 2019 Jetta also includes a full array of convenience and driver assistance features. All of that is coupled with a timeless design that promises to stay fresh as the years — and the miles — roll by.
All Volkswagen Jetta years
What is new for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The Jetta is available in a variety of new trims, including the R-Line and SEL Premium.
- The GLI, SE Sport, and Wolfsburg Edition trims have been discontinued for 2019.
- Jetta trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Remote Start, A/C Seat(s), Lane Departure Warning, Leather Seats, Memory Seat(s), Panoramic Sunroof, and Beats Audio System as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.
- The S trim now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta trims
Curious how Volkswagen Jetta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
The base model features include a six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a six-way manually adjustable driver seat, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect, a USB port, Bluetooth®, and a four-speaker sound system.
SE:
The Jetta SE adds an eight-speed automatic transmission, panoramic sunroof, leather-like upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium color multifunction display, and keyless access with push-button start.
R-Line:
Additional standard features include VW's XDS® Cross Differential System, 17-inch alloy wheels, R-Line badging, black grille accents, and side mirrors.
SEL:
16-inch black alloy wheels are standard on the Jetta SEL, along with rain-sensing windshield wipers, driving mode selector, and adaptive cruise control. Inside, standard equipment includes 10-color-adjustable ambient lighting, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio® sound system, eight-inch infotainment display, and a digital gauge cluster called Digital Cockpit. There's also a second USB port.
SEL Premium:
Jetta SEL Premium buyers get 17-inch metallic alloy wheels, a rear sport valance, leather interior, six-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory, adjustable lumbar support, and heated/ventilated front seats
Volkswagen Jetta photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
1. The 2019 Jetta is all-new, on an all-new platform
The Jetta has been selling in the U.S. for seven generations — around 40 years — and has been VW's top seller for many of those years. But change is good and this year's version is all-new— built on automaker's MQB platform architecture. This gives the Jetta a longer wheelbase, which makes for a more enjoyable driving experience.
2. Technology is plentiful, and available on all Jetta trims
The base model VW Jetta S comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Jetta S and SE trims get driver assistance technology features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Engine Brake Assist (EBA). Inside, there's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Also standard on lower trims is a 6.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment center. Higher-level trims get even more cool tech, like a digital display cluster and a larger touchscreen.
3. Lots of interior room for people and things
The sixth-generation VW Jetta (2011–2018) already offered a large interior for a compact sedan and the 2019 model is even bigger. The 2019 VW Jetta boasts 38.5 inches of headroom, and 55.9 inches of shoulder room, compared to 38.2 inches and 55.2 inches in the 2017 model. Cargo room in the 2019 VW Jetta measures 14.1 cubic feet.
4. Optional Car-Net expands connected capability
Car-Net is VW's connected-car technology, designed to provide owners varying levels of integration with personal devices, services, and access. For example, all 2019 Jettas get App-Connect – which controls services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2019 Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models are equipped with Car-Net Security & Service. For an additional monthly fee, this includes features such as Automatic Crash Notification, Manual Emergency Call, and Roadside Assistance.
5. Great for a road trip
The 2019 VW Jetta is not a hybrid, but it's far from a gas-guzzler. The turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 40 highway, 30 city, and 34 combined mpg.
With a 13.2-gallon gas tank, that makes the Jetta a great road trip companion.Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Most years, the Honda Civic is at or near the top of the best-seller list for compact cars. The reason? For around 50 years, the Civic has been a sporty and practical option for just about anyone in the compact sedan market. Recently redesigned for the 2016 and 2017 model years, it's also more stylish than ever. The Civic comes in a plethora of choices. For example, the 2019 model has four vehicle types, six trim configurations and two engines: A 2.0L four-cylinder engine that makes 158 hp, or a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 174 hp. Regardless of the model year, just about any Civic offers fun and style - from the coupe to the sedan, or the Civic Si.
Say the words “compact car" and you will probably picture a Toyota Corolla. That's how long this practical econobox has been motoring around the streets of America. And while it may not provide a racecar-like experience, it carries with it a reputation that our customers have enjoyed for years. The base 2019 Corolla L trim gets an EPA-estimated 28 city, 36 highway, and 32 combined mpg with an 1.8L engine.
Over the years, the Corolla has offered pretty much this same recipe for compact car lovers with plenty of style and practicality.
Volkswagen Golf
If you're looking for something practical and fun, try a hatchback. The VW Golf may be the perfect choice. Built on the same MQB platform as the 2019 Jetta, the Golf was most recently redesigned in 2015. Just know that if you test drive a 2019 Golf you might be smitten by its 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder engine — a powerplant that puts out 170 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. No matter which model year you choose,though, you can count on a fun driving experience, combined with the versatility of a hatchback design.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.3 out of 5
37 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 24 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 6 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 3 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
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 JettaVolkswagen Jetta features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Jetta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SEL 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Beats Audio System
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.4L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
105.7"
Overall length
185.1"
Width
70.8"
Height
57.4"
Leg room
F 41.1"/R 37.4"
Head room
F 38.5"/R 37.2"
Front tires
P205/60HR16
Rear tires
P205/60HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SEL: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- S: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- SE: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- SEL Premium: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- R-Line: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
The Volkswagen Jetta received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Volkswagen Jetta as 24 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta:
- R-Line
- SEL Premium
- Lane Departure Warning
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Remote Start
More about the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Color options
Exterior colors:
Black
Deep Black Pearl Metallic
Habanero Orange Metallic
Platinum Gray Metallic
Pure White
Sage Green Metallic
Silk Blue Metallic
Tornado Red
White Silver Metallic
Interior colors:
Storm Gray Cloth
Titan Black Cloth
Black V-Tex Leatherette
Dark Beige V-Tex Leatherette
Storm Gray V-Tex Leatherette
Titan Black and Storm Gray V-Tex Leatherette
Storm Gray Leather
Titan Black Leather
Titan Black and Dark Beige Leather
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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