2024 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

　　

2024 Volkswagen Jetta Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　With the recent demise of the Passat sedan and regular Golf hatchback, the 2024 Jetta stands as Volkswagen's singular sensible car offering. It's not as popular as its Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla rivals, but extensive tech features and classy, Audi-like styling give it a bit of gravity. The Jetta's more subdued design will draw some and bore others, but it's hard to argue with the VW's value. Adding to the Jetta's appeal this year is a full suite of standard advanced driver aids. Last year's model offered only a handful.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$110/mo  for Jetta S

　　Jetta S

　　S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $21,435 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $22,235 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $22,585 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $23,385 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $24,875 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $28,825 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Advanced driver aids add value

The Jetta rolls on for 2024 largely unchanged, but with one important inclusion: the standard IQ.Drive bundle of driver assistance features. With the exception of blind-spot warning and automatic braking, most driver aids were optional on last year's model. This year, the full array comes standard, making the Jetta more competitive with its Honda, Hyundai and Mazda rivals, for a price that still falls about middle of the pack. The extra aids — when combined with a roomy cabin, ample cargo space and punchy engine — strengthen the Jetta's value. And the Jetta's even available with a manual transmission for those who still like to change their own gears — or just save a few bucks.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Honda Civic sets the pace for small sedans with its performance and comfort, but it commands a premium. The Jetta undercuts its rival on price with similar features and roominess, but the Civic drives with a verve the Jetta can't match. The same can be said for the sporty Mazda 3, although its condensed size makes it less practical. The Toyota Corolla's high-grade interior and reliability make it a strong choice, but pokey acceleration holds it back. 

　　

Which Jetta does zzdcar recommend?

The Jetta's midlevel SE trim is a good pick for value. It comes standard with some desirable extras such as synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats, all for not much more than the base trim. But also consider the top SEL trim if it fits in your budget. It's still priced competitively for a small sedan and comes loaded with features.

　　

Volkswagen Jetta models

The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, Sport, SE and SEL. There is also a sporty GLI model that we cover separately. All trims use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (158 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) joined to a six-speed manual (standard on the S and Sport) or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Keep reading for our rundown of the key features you get with each trim.

　　S

　　The Jetta's base trim kicks things off with:

　　16-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Leather-wrapped steering wheel Cloth upholstery Digital gauge cluster 6.5-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility Four-speaker sound system Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app with remote start, door locking/unlocking, parked location finder and other functions The S also comes with standard advanced driver aids that include:

　　Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane; automatic-equipped Jettas only) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Jetta and the car in front, includes stop-and-go functionality for automatic transmission models) Sport

　　The Sport trim adds cosmetic and performance upgrades, including:

　　17-inch alloy wheels Sport differential (improves traction when accelerating out of corners) Gloss-black front grille and exterior trim Front accent lights Heated front seats SE

　　Builds on the S trim with:

　　17-inch alloy wheels Push-button start and keyless entry Dual-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable driver's seat Synthetic leather upholstery SEL

　　The top-trim Jetta adds:

　　Automatic high beams Sunroof Heated side mirrors, wipers and wiper nozzles Leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Driver's seat memory settings Heated steering wheel 10-color adjustable ambient cabin lighting Upgraded digital gauge cluster 8-inch touchscreen Voice control functionality Integrated navigation system Wireless smartphone charging pad Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Nine-speaker Beats Audio sound system

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