2020 Volkswagen Jetta review
Volkswagen Jetta highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable driving experience
- Plenty of storage space inside the cabin
- New manual transmission standard on R-Line trims
Cons
- Brakes feel sharp when driving slowly
- Takes time to get used to the steering wheel controls
- Cabin materials don't feel particularly high-end
Mileage (EPA estimate)
30 city, 40 highway, 34 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Elegant and athletic.
If you're on the lookout for a sophisticated compact car that's as modern as it is stylish, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is worth more than just a test drive, largely thanks to its re-imagined tech interior and muscular sleek build. It's also available in five trim levels, including the sporty R-Line that's an all-around athlete. If you're someone that relishes the open road and wants to enjoy every mile, and maybe bring some family or friends along for the ride, this is an eye-catching choice.
All Volkswagen Jetta years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Volkswagen Jetta generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
- The Jetta is available in a new trim called the GLI.
- Jetta trims have been upgraded with Automated Parking, Rear Seat Heaters, and Parking Sensors as standard equipment this year.
- Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SEL trim now comes with Remote Start, Heated Steering Wheel, and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The R-Line trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and Manual Transmission as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta trims
Curious how Volkswagen Jetta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS:
Includes manual or automatic transmission, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, Car-Net smartphone integration, a four-speaker sound system, an optional driver-assistance package, and more.
SE:
Adds a panoramic power tilt-and-slide sunroof, V-Tex leatherette seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, KESSY® keyless access with push-button start, driver-assistance features as standard, and more.
SEL:
Adds drive mode selection, digital cockpit technology, 10-color LED ambient lighting system, wireless charging capability, standard inclusion of cold weather package features, and more.
SEL Premium:
Adds leather seating, an eight-inch touchscreen, discover media navigation system, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, and more.
R-Line:
Features 17-inch low profile alloy wheels, a gloss black front grille and R-Line bumper with dual exhaust outlets, XDS® cross differential system, and more.
Volkswagen Jetta photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
1. Drive mode selection
If you're getting a Jetta for both work and play, drive mode selection might end up being one of your favorite features. With drive mode selection (standard on SEL and SEL Premium trims), you can pick between four different modes: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Custom. Normal mode will get you through your day to day commute while the sport mode, with its livelier handle on the throttle and more responsive steering, is better suited for your more active weekend driving.
2. Cold weather package
A terrific set of features like a heated steering wheel and rear seats will keep you and all your passengers warm during cooler winter weather. Available on SE and R-Line trims and standard on SEL and SEL Premium trims, these features are a thoughtful mix of interior comforts and practical cold weather measures that will make your drive that much cozier.
3. Next level light and sound
The 2020 Jetta is ready to put on quite the sound and light show for you. From the SE trim, a panoramic sunroof will flood your Jetta's cabin with natural light while both SEL and SEL Premium trims have a ten-color ambient lighting feature to match your mood while you drive. With Bluetooth® and smartphone connectivity as standard, plus optional subscription plans that unlock available satellite radio, the 2020 Jetta gives you a drive that's as personal as it is entertaining.
4. Exterior design features
This seventh-generation Jetta (2019 to present) has attractive lines and a head-turning design that will have onlookers staring on the road or even in the parking lot. Its redesign in 2019 not only made it larger but there are also some serious styling updates too. The horizontal lines on the hood, the wrap-around shadow and light that plays across the side sills, and a seriously punchy grille give this car some real presence. If it's style you're after, the 2020 Jetta is a serious contender.
5. Engine performance
This sedan has just one engine type for the 2020 model year, but when it's a 1.4L turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine and standard across all trims, you won't be left wanting for much. It's a great match if you're a young professional and are enjoying the freedom of work and weekends equally. For a smooth ride, the eight-speed automatic is a natural choice but if you want the engaging feeling of switching gears, the six-speed manual transmission is also available on S and R-Line trims.
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Ratings & reliability
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
S 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- 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
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Mirrors
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
Manual 6
2020 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- SE: 30 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- SEL: 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 2020 Volkswagen Jetta has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta:
- GLI
- Automated Parking
- Full Roof Rack
- Lane Departure Warning
- Heated Mirrors
More about the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Color options
Exterior colors:
Black (S and SE)
Deep Black Pearl (R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium)
Habanero Orange Metallic
Platinum Gray Metallic
Pure White
Pyrite Silver Metallic
Silk Blue Metallic (S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium)
Tornado Red (S, SE, R-Line, and SEL)
Interior details
BeatsAudio® system with eight speakers and sub-woofer (SEL and SEL Premium)
14.1 cubic feet of cargo volume
Four-door sedan with seating for five
Heated front-passenger seats as standard from SE trim
94.7 cubic feet of interior passenger volume
Multifunction steering wheel
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