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2021 Volkswagen Jetta review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Volkswagen Jetta highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Pleasing ride that feels smooth and comfortable
  • Plenty of in-cabin storage
  • Improved infotainment system compared to previous models

Cons

  • Brakes feel grabby when moving slowly
  • Steering wheel controls feel overly complex
  • Lots of plastic in the cabin

Mileage (EPA estimate)

29 city, 39 highway, 33 combined

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All Volkswagen Jetta years

What is new for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

  • The GLI trim has been discontinued for 2021.
  • Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof and Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The SEL Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Leatherette Seats as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Smart Key and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The SE trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Parking Sensors, and Panoramic Sunroof as standard equipment.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta trims

Curious how Volkswagen Jetta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

SE:

SEL:

SEL Premium:

R-Line:

Volkswagen Jetta photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

1. Powerful engine

If you want a smaller sedan that's big on power, the 2021 Jetta has you covered. Each of its five trims is equipped with a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder that cranks out 147 hp. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission on its S and R-Line trims, though an eight-speed automatic is standard on SE, SEL, and SEL Premium models.

2. Surprisingly roomy

For a vehicle of its size, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offers a surprisingly roomy trunk. In fact, with the rear row intact, you'll find 14.1 cu-ft. of dedicated trunk space on this model. Need additional room for longer items, such as skis or golf clubs? The 60/40 rear seats fold down with ease to increase utility when you need it most.

3. Impressive fuel economy

Enjoy your road trips with fewer stops at the fuel pump with the 2021 VW Jetta's excellent fuel economy. Its base trim with a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, and front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined.

Even stepping up to a model with an automatic transmission and the same turbocharged engine yields just a slightly lower fuel economy at an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, so you'll be good to go!

4. Ample trim options

No matter what you're looking for in a small sedan, the 2021 Jetta has a trim for just about everybody. With five trims to choose from (the base S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium), standard equipment begins with Bluetooth® connectivity, smartphone integration, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, and a four-speaker sound system. Meanwhile, stepping up to the range-topping SEL Premium trim yields such indulgent features as a built-in navigation system and leather seats.

5. Innovative remote access

Every 2021 Jetta is equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net®, which is VW's proprietary mobile app that comes with innovative features like available door locking/unlocking, theft alerts, parked car finder, remote honk and start, and so much more.

This is a great way to get the most out of your Jetta and enhance your driving experience with a little help from your mobile device.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

8 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

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

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

Optional Features

  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready

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

2021 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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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