Overview

If you're looking for a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient compact car, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is an ideal option. Not only does it cost less than its hatchback sibling, the VW Golf, but it also has better fuel economy. The standard Jetta will appease those who are more practical in nature; however, if you are seeking something with a bit of pizazz behind the wheel – this may not be your go to choice.

The GLI model brings the mission to fruition, and is reviewed independently. The regular Jetta hosts a 147-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine which gets you around town with ease yet feels sluggish on highways. Whilst this Volkswagen's road manners are highly refined and trunk room remarkable, its lack of pizzazz means that top options are only available at high trim levels; thus reducing its value considerably.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Jetta is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower, driving its front wheels. Although the base model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, an eight-speed automatic is available as an option and included in all other models. When testing both transmissions on the same car, we noted minor differences in acceleration times--both of which were merely average when compared to competitors. The Jetta had sufficient responsiveness at low speeds; however, it could benefit from more power for highway overtaking maneuvers.

While the Jetta sedan offers a comfortable and quiet ride, its light steering isn't as precise or engaging as that of the VW Golf hatchback - which has identical powertrains on the same platform. When going above posted speed limits in roundabouts, it becomes evident that when compared to other cars such as Mazda 3 and Honda Civic, this car is not quite as fun to drive. Nevertheless, for those searching for reliable transportation with minimal fuss, serenity delivered by Jetta's wheels will be more than satisfactory!

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Jetta offers more efficiency than its hatchback counterpart despite being less athletic. The EPA estimates that it can achieve 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the Golf is rated at 29 mpg city and 37 highway. We tested both transmissions of this car over 200 miles for our fuel-economy route assessment, with astonishing results: an automatic transmission earning 43 mph on highways, and a manual one achieving 48 mph! For comparison, Civic sedan we tried before missed its rate by 1 mpgh only reaching 41 mpgh

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Jetta earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the sedan wasn't named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While several driver assists are available on every model, only the top two trims have adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Is the Jetta a reliable car?

According to RepairPal, the Volkswagen Jetta earns a 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability due to these three factors: Cost: On average, the annual repairs and maintenance on a Volkswagen Jetta cost $609 while the average for compact cars is $526 and $652 for all vehicle models.

How long do jettas usually last?

In many cases, the VW Jetta can run for more than 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Most VW Jetta owners drive their cars for 7 and a half years, which is usually around 75,000 miles before they upgrade to a new model with the latest features.

Are jettas high on insurance?

How Expensive Is It to Insure a VW Jetta Compared to Other Cars? Compared to other car models, the average insurance for a VW Jetta is inexpensive. The average annual rate is $1,272. That is slightly lower than the average yearly rate across all models, which is $1,427 per year.