The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a smaller sedan compared to the mid-size Passat, but they both follow the same template: more substance than style. The Jetta is roomy and sensible, with a relatively frugal base powertrain and low price. This year, the Jetta is available in S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and zippy GLI trim, but all build on a design that debuted for the 2011 model year. The Wolfsburg Edition, named after VW鈥檚 hometown in Germany, is a new addition to the lineup, as is the SE Sport with its 170-horsepower engine. All variants see some minor equipment shuffling and modestly revised styling. You鈥檒l have to squint to see the grille changes, but the new wheels on most trim levels stand out more. Also, VW has dropped the HID headlights that were included on last year鈥檚 Jetta SEL and the GLI loses its formerly standard manual transmission. Additionally, the Jetta lineup now includes a 6-year, 72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that doubles last year鈥檚 coverage. That鈥檚 a big selling point for us, especially since the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners.
The Jettas you鈥檒l most commonly find on dealer lots use a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 rated at 150 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard and a 6-speed automatic is on the options list. SE Sport and SEL trim levels use a larger and thirstier 1.8-liter turbo-4 that adds 20 hp but can only be paired with the automatic. Jetta GLIs have their own suspension settings, a sportier look inside and out, and a 210-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4. Despite their sporty positioning, Jetta GLIs are only available with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. Most models have a demure demeanor with a softly sprung suspension, although the GLI鈥檚 beefed up underpinnings make it a hoot to push through a curvy canyon road. Though the Jetta鈥檚 conservative styling isn鈥檛 its biggest selling point, VW has managed to give its compact sedan rear-seat room more akin to a mid-size four-door. There鈥檚 plenty of stretch-out space for four adults and the 15.7 cubic foot cargo capacity is on the high side for this class. No Jetta feels particularly upscale inside and what feels like leather upholstery on SE and higher trim levels is actually hard-wearing leatherette鈥攁 fancy word for vinyl. Higher trim levels have a 6.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that鈥檚 easy to use. The Jetta has performed well in crash-testing, but VW reserves high-tech safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control for only the pricey SEL trim level. Jettas with the 1.4-liter engine and the automatic鈥攊n other words, the vast majority鈥攅arn up to 38 mpg on the highway. That鈥檚 a commendable figure given how strong this engine feels in everyday driving.
What do you get for that extra money? The aforementioned safety features are standard, as are imitation leather upholstery, heated front seats, a moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 2019 new Jetta S definitely drives above and beyond its base-model pedigree, though I do wish that it had more charging options. Still, I think it鈥檚 a viable option on the whole, which makes the answer to our titular question 鈥?a base model worth buying? 鈥?a yes. It drives better than a base car, and the equipment differences between the S and the SE don鈥檛 extend to the multimedia system, so there鈥檚 not as much impetus to upgrade. And once more, I can鈥檛 recommend enough to those who are considering a base Jetta to find one with the safety package attached. 450 for the added piece of mind and accident prevention is a bargain. Editor鈥檚 note: This article was updated July 19, 2018, to reflect that all Jetta models come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, regardless of screen size. Cars.com鈥檚 Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com鈥檚 long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don鈥檛 accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com鈥檚 advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
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The Jetta GLI (highest tier) also can be ordered with a standard transmission. I'm getting older now so my next car will probably be an automatic . I didn't know that. Edit: It still is not out in the US, and the GLI is considered it's own model separate from the Jetta. You can still get a standard trans with the Jetta, but only the lowest tier. The Jetta GLI (highest tier) also can be ordered with a standard transmission. I didn't know that. It still isn't available. Plus, the GLI is it's own model, like the GTI. I have a bad left knee, but it still doesn't stop me owning manual. I own 5 cars, and 3 of the 5 are manual. Besides, the VW clutch is super soft, at least the 1.4T is. The GLI will probably have a hard pedal. My other cars that are manuals have hard clutch pedals which can give my bad knee a work out, but the Jetta feels like I am pushing air. The GLI will probably not be like that though since it has a lot higher torque.
