2024 Volkswagen Jetta

In the market for a new small sedan but afraid that a new Civic or Corolla would be lost in the Costco parking lot? You might want to check out the Volkswagen Jetta, a compact four-door that's less common than these rivals and stands out with robust tech features and classy, Audi-like styling.

The Jetta received a comprehensive update in 2022 that saw the addition of a new engine, an exterior styling update and a couple advanced driving aids included as standard equipment. But the current Jetta dates back to 2019, meaning it would normally be due for a full redesign right around now. However, Automotive News reports that due to slowing sedan sales (and possibly because Volkswagen is ramping up its EV efforts), the Jetta may receive yet another wide-ranging update instead.

We don't know what a second refresh would look like just yet, but there's one thing we don't want: the capacitive touch controls and next-gen touchscreen interface as seen on the ID.4 and Golf GTI. The newer infotainment system is a major step backward from the one currently in the Jetta in terms of usability, and the capacitive touchpads are a poor "evolution" of the physical controls that the 2023 Jetta enjoys.

Volkswagen will likely update the Jetta again for the 2024 model year. But newer isn't always better; we can imagine VW incorporating some of the more frustrating elements of its more recently redesigned cars into the 2024 Jetta.