2023 Volkswagen Jetta: What can you get for that money
Overview
The Jetta is a sedan that's agile and powerful, with a 158-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine. Plus, it has spry handling that makes it even more fun to drive. It's often referred to as a Volkswagen Golf with a trunk due to its joyful driving characteristics. The Jetta stacks up well against newer and more powerful competition such as the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3, which offers all-wheel drive.
The Jetta GLI boasts 228 hp for those desiring more power and performance. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, but an eight-speed automatic is available as an upgrade for just a few hundred dollars extra. Standard safety features abound in the well-equipped cabin, which also score points for its many excellent infotainment offerings. In fact, the last Jetta we tested returned an impressive 42 mpg on our real-world 75 mph highway fuel economy test—not too shabby!
What's New for 2023?
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta saw only minor changes from the refresh it received last year. For this model year, the SE trim level now has remote start ignition as a standard feature. Although all trims levels look nice, we think the Sport is the best pick because of its stylish design elements and modest price tag.
The Sport comes with exclusive 17-inch wheels, black exterior and interior accents, and an electronically locking front differential for increased performance than its counterpart models.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Jetta comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, distributed to the front wheels. The base model has a standard six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is optional. Our SEL test vehicle with the automatic reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds at our test track—0.6 seconds quicker than the last automatic Jetta we tested..
Although the sedan has a comfortable and quiet ride, its steering is light which makes it easy to maneuver but lacks accuracy. In comparison with other cars such as the Mazda 3, Jetta isn't designed for speedsters; however, it's able to handle quick turns when driving above the posted speed limit. Although it's not meant for racing enthusiasts, its tranquil nature will suffice those who are looking for a dependable mode of transportation.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The VW Jetta gave us an excellent 42 mpg during our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which blew its EPA estimates out of the water. Although the EPA ratings for new Jettas with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission are quite similar, the base automatic is by far the most efficient variant with estimated 31 mpg in city driving and 41 mpg on highways.
Jettas with three pedals have an EPA-rated 29 mpg for city driving and 42 mpg on highways. Jetta Sport, SE, and SEL trims get slightly different ratings because of equipment changes--29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg while cruising down the highway, according to the EPA. For more information about fuel economy related to your specific Jetta trim, please visit theEPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Jetta's interior design is sophisticated and provides plenty of space for passengers. All trims have features that drivers will appreciate, such as good visibility and well-designed controls. The most expensive models have luxurious touches such as customizable lighting, wireless device charging, and ventilated front seats. Interestingly, the Jetta can hold more carry-on bags than the regular Golf hatchback.
The sedan could hold seven bags in its trunk, while the Golf's rear seats only allowed for five. The Jetta held three extra bags more than the Golf with its back seats foldedopen (for a total of 18). Additionally,the Jetta had useful door pockets and deep center-console bin for storing smaller items inside the car.
Is the Jetta a reliable car?
The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most reliable cars on the market, as it has an annual repair cost that is lower than average. The three main factors that contribute to its reliability are: Cost: On average, repairs and maintenance for a Volkswagen Jetta cost $609 per year while compact car models have an average yearly cost of $526 and all vehicle models have an annual average of $652.
How many miles can a Volkswagen Jetta last?
The VW Jetta is a safe, sturdy car with a reliable powertrain. However, the best way to ensure your car lasts for years is by keeping up with its routine maintenance. This includes oil changes, tire rotations and multi-point inspections.
Why is Jetta discontinued?
All competitors received updates and facelifts with time, while the Jetta was updated in 2013 with a facelift in 2015. This made it further hard for it to compete in that price range. It was built on the old PQ35 platform, and now the 2022 Jetta is out globally but will not be making its way here.