The 2020 Jetta is practical and competent. It also looks good. But don't expect to discover any hidden depths. The Jetta isn't exceptional enough to claim the top spot on its mundane merits.
SEL and SEL Premium add standard wireless device charging
Six-speed manual transmission standard on R-Line trims
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019
Edmunds says
As much as we like the VW Jetta for its comfortable ride and convenient storage solutions, it falls into a rather disappointing sixth place in our small sedan rankings. This isn't because there's anything terribly disappointing about the 2020 Jetta. Other than a grabby brake pedal that makes it hard to stop smoothly and more hard interior plastics than rivals, this is an agreeable little car. Still, rivals such as the sporty Honda Civic, value-packed Kia Forte and upscale Mazda 3 are more compelling overall.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta S SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 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 $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Jetta from 2008-2022.
$443/yr
vs. $416/yr for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
1.15x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
9.8%
vs. 10.4% for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I was looking for a basic commuter car for 100 mile daily round trip to work. The new Jetta looks great, understated but with some character. It is very quiet and comfortable on the road. Acceleration and handling are adequate, but nice for a base model car. Averaging 39 mpg over the first 1,500 miles with a max of 47 mpg for a 50 mile trip to work. It's great being able to drive the 500 … miles a week for commuting to work on one tank of gas. Yeah, it's the first year of a major redesign, which is usually a non-starter, but the 6 yr, 72,000 warranty puts my mind somewhat at ease.
UPDATE: After 2.5 years and almost 60,000 miles the Jetta has been a great car. Still averaging around 40 mpg. Everything has held up well - looks almost new and no mechanical issues. I've been very happy with the car.
I've been car hunting, planning to buy a small sedan when my current lease is up. I've had an opportunity to spend a few days with a 2019 Jetta R-line, and I am really surprised by how much I like it. Not that I expected it to be a bad car, but I was cross-shopping against the Mazda, Subaru, Hondas, and some higher level brands like Audi and Acura. Frankly, the Jetta provides the best … bang-for-the-buck compared to the others I have tested. The interior layout is excellent, with a dashboard that puts everything exactly where you want it. Handling and stability is as good as it gets at this price point, although I think the 17" wheels are a must for this. The engine is suprisingly punchy, with plenty of jump for passing on the highway. It's also got a great selection of tech & features (Apple Carplay, drivers assist features, sun roof, LED headlights with side-turning assist, etc.) for a car in this class. The steering is tad mushy, but still responsive. It's not going to compete with the luxury cars on finishing details, but it's a great alternative at a reasonable price.
Bye bye BMW
5 out of 5 stars
Germanaficionado, 11/11/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This car is absolutely amazing. I love that it has all the modern features and then some compared to my 2016 BMW 335i. The acceleration is very quick especially if you venture into manual mode. I typically leave the car in it's sport setting because it feels like it handles much better however if I'm crusing or low on gas I'm for sure in ECO. Speaking of gas the fuel economy is … spectacular!!! I have gone over 520 miles to be specific during long distance drives. I can easily make a long distance trip on 2 tanks such as Austin to Denver. On a daily note I am closer to 40 mpg and depending on how heavy my foot is but never below 25mpg. I liked how the handbook had recommendations on how to be economical by not filling the car up with gas unless you are on a trip. This has saved me sooooo much money! Also not having extra items in the car to weigh it down. The LED bulb headlights on the Sel are also perfect if you live in dark areas and light up so much however I'm still not a fan of the auto headlights as the tend to flash other drivers and there is no quick way to shut it off without flashing again. The sound system by beats is actually really amazing and I have no complaints. I dont like that my phone always triggers the seatbelt warning in my passenger seat but heavier items don't but there isn't any real space to place the phone as I have a note 20 and also had the issue with my galaxy 10+. I would buy this car again and again and tell everyone it's worth every penny. I giggle inside seeing audis and fancier cars that have the same stuff but cost way more. Me and my bank are happy hopefully yours will be too! Happy driving!!!!
Improvements are in order!
3 out of 5 stars
Zvi Arie, 03/23/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This car drives very nicely. Engine is peppy and transmission shifts smoothly the most of the time. Sometimes downshifts are noticeable. Suspension is on the soft side and provides comfortable ride. All the technical features in this car command an applause. Heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are awesome. Digital instrument cluster and … infotainment unit are incredible and very easy to use. Beats audio system is dissent. Ambient lighting is very nice and gives the interior a warm atmosphere. Now, there are things which I personally do not like, but other people might not notice an exception. The front passenger seat is very uncomfortable. It seats low, does not have height adjustments nor lumbar support. And this is top of the line trim. It feels like I am seating flat on the floor with no back support. Long drives are not comfortable. In my opinion, this kind of cost cutting is unacceptable. The passenger seat should be afforded the same amount of adjustments as the driver seat. The materials on rear door panels look and feel very cheap. Sometimes they squeak when the temperatures are cold. There are no air vents for the rear passengers, but rear heated seats make up for it a little. The trunk insulation materials are barely present. The trunk lid and hinges are exposed and look ugly. The trunk lid itself is heavy and require a push up in order to lock in the open position. The interior lights are not LED and they are on a dim side. The rear camera does not have a projection trajectory. Overall it is a good car with an awesome fuel economy and if the manufacturer fixes these shortcomings especially with the front passenger seat adjustments, it will be even better.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.
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Edmunds says
