2020 Volkswagen Jetta Review: Refined And Reliable
The trusty Volkswagen Jetta raises its familiar head yet again in 2020 - an ever-present competitor in the dwindling compact sedan segment where it rather subtly tackles the likes of the Honda Civic Sedan and Mazda 3. Still, most consumers who purchase the Jetta put a more significant focus on overall refinement, reliability, and value - which the Jetta certainly delivers. Those are the primary characteristics for which it is best known and over 100,000 consumers in the US chose to purchase one in 2019. All models in the range share the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that imparts a modest 147 horsepower, and all but the S model comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta is sophisticated and amicable but lacks excitement in comparison to competitors, which is a shame when Volkswagen asks upwards of $18,895 for it.
What's the Price of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
As an entry-level compact sedan, the Jetta does well at maintaining relatively affordable prices, considering how much it is equipped with. The base model Volkswagen Jetta S is priced at an MSRP of $18,895 with the manual transmission, rising up to $19,695 with the automatic. Stepping up to the SE sees a rise in price to $22,645, and the sportier R-Line bumps the base price up to $22,695 with manual transmission and $23,495 with automatic transmission. The SEL is one model away from the top of the range and starts at $25,495, while the finest model of the range, the SEL Premium, starts at $27,945 excluding a $920 destination fee applicable to all Jetta models.
2020 Jetta Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185.1 in | 105.7 in | 57.4 in | 70.8 in | 60.7 in | 60.4 in | 2,888.0 lbs |
2020 Jetta Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Jetta cannot be faulted in terms of essential comfort and providing a relatively hassle-free drive to its director. Still, it's a little less athletic than competing sedans in the compact segment. The ride is soft, and minor bumps in the road don't prove to be bothersome. More significant obstacles, however, could start to become problematic and the Jetta could stand to take a few notes in the damper department from rivals like the Civic and Mazda 3 - both of which ride far smoother.
Nevertheless, its handling abilities compete strongly against the Civic's, especially with the XDS differential found on the R-Line trim, which provides a bit of extra traction and more precise handling. The Jetta displays some lean in the corners and shows some nose-heavy understeer when pushed too hard, but the steering firms up quite well as speed increases. It's an all-round pleasurable drive and doesn't show any horribly vexing characteristics. The problem is, with neither extreme positives or very pestilent negatives, it becomes rather unmemorable.
It's a viable option to consider for those who don't care for an overly thrilling and engaging drive, focusing more on comfort and dependability instead. All things considered, the Jetta performs well as a compact sedan and serves the driver well in terms of comfort and punchy city-driving, although it tends to get a bit winded on the highway and is quite mediocre in the thrill-seeker's books.
2020 Jetta Interior
2020 Jetta Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 7 Years / 100,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 2 Years / 20,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the New 2020 Volkswagen Jetta A Good car?
The Jetta is a good buy for specific consumers, namely small families on a tight budget or shoppers looking for a hassle-free and comfortable vehicle to get from point A to point B. This compact sedan is not for the driving enthusiast looking for an engaging and fun drive, as the Honda Civic would prove to be a better pick in this regard with more power and better handling dynamics. The VW sedan is dependable, though, and provides just enough power to get the job done - but one shouldn't expect it to go the extra mile in terms of performance or amusement. A strong point for the Jetta is comfort; it proves to be superior to a couple of small bumps in the road and provides a softer ride than the Civic. Additionally, the standard spec list is on par with the segment's best. However, rivals offer their safety systems lower in the range, while on the Jetta you have to spring for upper trims to unlock the best features available.
The Jetta does just enough to get by, but isn't memorable or fun in comparison to competitors and other sedans in the segment are worth a test drive in comparison.
What Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Model Should I Buy?
The best model to buy in the Jetta range has to be the R-Line. Being the middle of the range, it comes with many standard features akin to those of the SEL and SEL Premium, such as the larger infotainment suite with BeatsAudio speakers, and hosts the sportiest styling of them all. You will also have to do without nice-to-haves like wireless charging and the virtual cockpit, but you'll get the XDS differential that no other model has, vastly improving the handling dynamics of the R-Line, and the available manual gearbox is a joy to use. Opt for the additional Cold Weather Package and you'll have a great all-round sedan that hasn't broken the bank but has heated seats all around and a heated steering wheel to keep things toasty.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Comparisons
2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda Civic sedan is the Jetta's foremost rival, and for a good reason. The Civic is slightly more expensive, starting at $19,850 versus the Jetta's MSRP of $18,895, but are the few extra dollars worth it?
The Civic is the more driver-oriented car with an engaging chassis paired with supple suspension, lively turbocharged engines, and a fantastic manual gearbox. The optional CVT is more economical than the Jetta, too, scoring 36 mpg combined to the VW's 34 mpg. Things get worse for the Jetta with the Civic's spacious cabin, high-end materials, and impressive list of standard safety and convenience features, with the best features from VW only available on upper trims. A bigger trunk on the Civic puts the final nail in the coffin for the Jetta, and although it might have an easier to use infotainment system, it simply doesn't match the high standards set by the Civic.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta vs Hyundai Elantra
At a base level, the Hyundai starts at an MSRP of $19,150 and is slightly more expensive than the Jetta. The Elantra and the Jetta's performance figures are similar except for the Jetta's extra 52 lb-ft of torque that brings it some nippier acceleration. In terms of fuel economy, the Elantra wins with an EPA combined estimate of 36 mpg in comparison to the Jetta's 34 mpg. The Jetta, however, wins in the infotainment department with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a Wi-Fi Hotspot. The Elantra reigns superior with standard comfort features lacking in the Jetta, including climate control, keyless entry, multi-zone climate control, and remote trunk release. It also comes standard with lane departure warning and lane assist, as well as an extra 0.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The Jetta was given an overall five-star rating by the NHTSA against the Elantra's four stars, making the Jetta safer. The VW car offers a more premium feel and more safety, but the Elantra comes with a superior standard warranty and more value for money.