The Volkswagen Jetta is expected to retain its trim structure from the previous model year. It will continue to be sold across a total of five different trim levels, starting with the base model S at $20,000. The top-spec or SEL Premium is priced at $29,380, offering plenty of value-for-money. Further distribution of features across the trims can be understood from the table below.

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The choices offered to us by Volkswagen make for certain levels of indecisiveness, simply because the trims are priced so close to one another. The sporty buyers should go for the R-line with all the additional features and options you can get, while buyers looking for sensibility should go for the SEL Premium for its semblance of luxury, through leather seats, ambient lighting, and other interesting features.

 For the 2022 model, Volkswagen might finally replace the 1.4L TSI engine with the more powerful 1.5L TSI unit, which will bump the power output from 147 hp to 158 hp. The 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions will be carried over. Like the outgoing model, no all-wheel-drive powertrains are expected for 2022. No hybrid powertrains are expected for 2022, which leaves the Jetta at a disadvantage in this efficiency-focused era.

The engine may look small on paper, but the Jetta offers adequate performance compared to competitors, thanks to turbocharging and the capable 8-speed transmission which is a lot quicker with shifts than a regular CVT unit. Even if the 1.4L unit is retained, it is still expected to get a power bump to more than 150 hp. Even with a small 1.4L engine, the Volkswagen Jetta offers adequate performance, with a 0-60 MPH time of 7.6 seconds. If Volkswagen bumps the power or introduces the 1.5l TSI engine, the Jetta will enter the sub 16 second quarter mile category.

*2021 Data used for reference

When comparing base models, the Volkswagen Jetta easily outperforms its rivals thanks to its turbocharged engine and 8-speed transmission. The Honda Civic takes second place but beats the Jetta when equipped with the 1.5T engine. Despite a similar powertrain, the Kia Forte nudges ahead of the Hyundai Elantra with better acceleration. When comparing the price range, Honda turns out to be a slightly expensive option than the competition in the segment.

How does the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Handle?

Volkswagen has tuned the Jetta for a more comfortable ride compared to the Golf with which it shares the same platform. Keeping with the comfort-oriented theme, the steering is also effortless, with light inputs even at highway speeds, which can get unnerving when tackling corners at a brisk pace. The setup, however, works well for daily commutes and will satisfy most customers. Enthusiasts will have to opt for better handling rivals like the Honda Civic.

No notable changes are expected for the 2022 model, and it will continue to get the comfort-oriented setup that will please most customers. The performance-oriented Jetta GLI models are a lot more responsive and powerful compared to the regular models. They feature more precise steering that will go a long way to improve the overall handling of the Jetta.

The current model offers decent efficiency with EPA figures of 29 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highways, which is good for more than 500 miles of highway range with a fairly large 13.2-gallon fuel tank. A slight bump in overall efficiency is expected for the new model, especially if Volkswagen brings out the more modern 1.5L power plant. With no hybrid on the horizon, customers looking for efficiency above all else will have to opt for the Toyota Corolla or other Hybrids.

*2021 Figures used for reference

The Volkswagen Jetta is the least efficient among its rivals with a combined rating of 33 MPG, which is similar to the Honda Civic. Both the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are more efficient with more than 35 MPG combined along with bigger fuel tanks as well. When comparing the overall range, Hyundai Elantra has the most at 602 highway miles.

 The interiors are expected to be carried over with some feature updates for 2022. Volkswagen already gave the current model several updates in recent years, including wireless smartphone connectivity, heated rear seats, and more. There is plenty of space on the inside with enough headroom and legroom in both rows. Features like customizable ambient lighting, fully digital gauges, and an elegant dashboard design make the interiors look and feel modern.

Volkswagen has also provided plenty of clever storage spaces and cubby holes around the cabin, including a large center console that is surprisingly deep and can accommodate a lot of items. Trunk space is limited at just 14.1 cubic feet, which can be further expanded by folding the rear seats. All the cars in the competition come as a 5-seater.

*2021 Model used for reference

Compared to the competition, the Volkswagen Jetta offers less interior space than all of its rivals, especially at the front. The rear seat space is a tie between the Jetta and the Civic, while the Korean twins offer a lot more space overall. Cargo capacity stands at 14.1 cubic feet for the Volkswagen Jetta, which is below average for its class. The Kia Forte offers the most space, followed by the Honda Civic, both of which offer more than 15 cubic feet of storage. Some notable interior features include:

• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated front and rear seats
• Interior ambient lighting

2022 Volkswagen Jetta: Infotainment and Connectivity

With no expected updates, all models of the Volkswagen Jetta will continue to get a responsive and easy-to-use infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display on the lower trims and a bigger 8-inch display on the SEL and higher trims. The system received a complete refresh last year with additions like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Thankfully, the system retains physical controls for easy access. 

The Jetta also gets gesture controls for swiping and pinch-to-zoom functions with the updated system. Other notable additions include a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8-speaker stereo from Beats Audio, SiriusXM Satellite radio, wireless charging, Bluetooth, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the higher trims. Some notable infotainment features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen display with physical and gesture controls
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• 8-speaker audio system from BeatsAudio
• Wireless charging

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to retain the elegant styling of the outgoing model with some styling tweaks like an updated grille and lights. Compared to modern competitors, the Jetta looks boring despite the sharp and edgy styling. The R-line trims slightly improve on this front with an updated grille, but still doesn’t stand out enough to get noticed.

The more powerful GLI models get red exterior elements, unique alloy wheels, and sharper looks. There are plenty of design elements from the bold shoulder line to the subtle lip spoiler molding on the boot. The bumper also gets dual fake exhaust tips to complete the design. The 2022 model might get an updated grille and bumper design for a more modern look.

*2021 Figures used for reference

The Volkswagen Jetta is the biggest car in its class but gets the shortest wheelbase at 105.7 inches. The Hyundai Elantra comes in second and is wider than the Jetta with a longer wheelbase at 107.1 inches. Both the Honda Civic and Kia Forte are dimensionally similar with a slight height difference. Standout exterior features of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta include:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated side-view mirrors
• Power folding side-view mirrors
• 16” alloy wheels
• 17” alloy options for R-Line trim

Following a 5-star overall safety rating for the Jetta for the previous model year, we can expect the utmost safety standards to be offered in the 2022 version. The MQB platform upon which it is based provides a good level of occupant protection due to its crash impact dissipating structure, while numerous safety features ensure driver attentiveness and crash avoidance. Notable safety features in the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta include:

• Automatic Post Collision Braking System
• Intelligent Crash Response System
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Rear-view camera system
• Electronic Stability Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Although no major changes are expected for the 2022 model, the Volkswagen Jetta is still a very good choice with its elegant design, modern interior, and capable drivetrain. The addition of the 1.5-liter TSI engine will further improve performance compared to rivals, making it more appealing to customers considering the mid variants. It also offers good value with plenty of features as standard. If you’re on the lookout for a comfortable sedan at an affordable price, then the Volkswagen Jetta should be strongly considered.