The 2019 VW Jetta is a sensible sedan that offers outstanding fuel economy and upscale features. While the Jetta is often overshadowed by its esteemed hatchback equivalent鈥攖he 10Best-winning Golf鈥攊n our real-world tests, it actually held more luggage and sipped less gas. Sure, the Jetta bobs where the Golf weaves, but it better serves those who want a smoother and quieter ride. The sedan also saves the best equipment for the most expensive models; however, every version has a robust infotainment system and can be equipped with several driver assists. Despite its deficiencies, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta represents sophisticated and pragmatic transportation. What's New for 2019? The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has been completely redesigned. The sportier Jetta GLI returns for 2019, but we review its increased performance and exclusive content separately. Volkswagen offers increasingly better standard features with each Jetta model, but they all have limited options. While the top SEL and SEL Premium receive the premium content, we think the SE model is the best value. It adds blind-spot monitoring, faux-leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and passive entry with push-button start.
The Cold Weather package is the only luxury option. It adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, remote start, and more. Likes: Responsive at city speeds, dutiful automatic gearbox, refined ride quality. Dislikes: Manual transmission only on base model, mediocre passing power, dull driving responses. Every Jetta powers the front wheels with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower. The base model has a standard six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is optional and standard on every other model. We tested Jettas with each transmission and saw virtually identical acceleration times. However, both were merely average compared with quicker competitors. The Jetta felt responsive pulling away from stoplights, but it would benefit from more punch for passing on the highway. The sportier 2019 Jetta GLI we tested addresses that shortcoming with its extra power, snappier transmission, and stickier tires. The sedan is less engaging to drive than the Golf hatchback, which has the same platform and powertrains as the Jetta. While the sedan has a comfortable and quiet ride, its light steering is effortless but lacks a feeling of precision.
Compared with rivals such as the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic, the Jetta is rarely fun to zip around roundabouts and leans into sharp corners when moving above the posted speed limit. Still, its serene nature will satisfy those who want complacent transportation. Its brake pedal was progressive around town, but each Jetta we tested in our emergency-braking test needed at least 183 feet, which is longer than normal. While the Jetta is less athletic than its hatchback counterpart, it's more frugal with fuel. The EPA estimates the sedan will earn 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, while the Golf is rated at 29 mpg city and 37 highway. We tested Jettas with each transmission on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, and they both exceeded expectations. The automatic version earned 43 mpg on the highway, and Jetta with the manual transmission achieved an astounding 48 mpg. In comparison, the last Honda Civic sedan we tested missed its highway rating by 1 mpg, at 41 mpg.
Likes: Contemporary cabin, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, impressive cargo capacity. Dislikes: Cheaper models miss out on best content, smallish front seats, limited back-seat storage. Inside, the Jetta provides a sophisticated design and generous passenger space. Although the available features become more desirable with each higher trim, every cabin caters to the driver and boasts excellent outward visibility. We wish the front seats were wider and provided more support. Except for the base Jetta, every version has dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, remote start, and more. Top content such as customizable ambient interior lighting, a fully digital gauge cluster, and ventilated front seats is reserved for the most expensive models. Every Jetta has a responsive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Most models use a 6.5-inch display, while the top two trims have an 8.0-inch unit. Either setup allows gesture controls for swiping and pinch-to-zoom.
