At their 2021 annual media conference, along with several new announcements including the new Volkswagen Taos SUV, the automaker also mentioned a possible facelift for the 2022 Jetta. The 7th generation reached showrooms just 2 years ago, and according to the usual update timeline, the Jetta is expected to receive a mild facelift for the 2022 model with some subtle design changes and feature updates. The higher variants might also get the new 1.5 turbocharged unit from the new Taos SUV, which will bump the power up to 158 hp.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Latest Updates
Mar' 16, 2023 : Top 10 Cheapest Volkswagens To Buy In 2023: Specs, Prices, Deals, EMIs Read More »
Jan' 18, 2023 : Here is Penelope Cruz's 2023 updated car collection Read More »
Jan' 17, 2023 : Miranda Cosgrove's Impressive Car Collection Read More »
The 1.5L unit will perfectly bridge the gap between the small 1.4L unit and the more powerful 2.0L equipped GLI models. With all the new updates, prices are expected to start at $20,000 for the base S model. The Jetta is currently the best-selling Volkswagen in the US, and the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to improve sales further in light of competitors like the 2022Honda Civic, and the recently updatedHyundai Elantra andKia Forte.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Front Angle View
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Rear Angle View
Features
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.
Trims
S
R-Line
SE
SEL
SEL Premium
MSRP
$20,000
$23,230
$24,100
$26,300
$29,380
Features
LED headlights
In addition to/replacing features in the S trim:
In addition to/replacing features in the R-Line trim:
In addition to/replacing features in the SE trim:
In addition to/replacing features in the SEL trim:
16” black alloys
Front Assist
Panoramic sunroof
10-color interior ambient lighting
8" touchscreen navigation system
Manual Front Air Conditioning
17” alloys
6-way power-adjustable driver seat
App-Connect with wireless capabilities
Leather seating surfaces
Power Folding Side Mirrors
V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces
Driver and Front Passenger Heated seat backs
VW Digital Cockpit
Ventilated front seats
VW App-Connect
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Vehicle Anti-theft system
Reverse-camera
We Recommend
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.
Engine and Performance
7.4/10
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.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan In Acceleration Mode
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.
Models
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (Expected)
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Kia Forte
Base MSRP
$20,000 - $21,000
$21,250
$19,650
$18,790
Engine
1.4-liter I4 Turbocharged
2.0-liter I4 Regular
2.0-liter I4 regular
2.0-liter I4 regular
Transmission
8 speed automatic
CVT w/OD
CVT w/OD
CVT w/OD
Horsepower
147+ hp
158 hp @ 6,500 rpm
147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
147 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque
184+ lb.-ft.
138 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm
132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 (Sec)
7.6
8.2
9
8.1
Quarter Mile (Sec)
16
16.3
16.8
16.4
*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.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
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.
Model
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (Expected)
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Kia Forte
MPG (city)
29*
30
33
31
MPG (highway)
39*
38
43
41
MPG (combined)
33*
33
37
35
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
13.2*
12.4
14
14
Range (city/highway) (miles)
383/515*
372/471
462/602
434/574
*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.
Interior
7.2/10
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.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Steering Wheel
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.
Model
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (Expected)
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Kia Forte
Passenger Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)
38.5/55.9/41.1*
39.3/57/42.3
40.6/56.5/42.3
38.8/56.1/42.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)
37.2/54/37.4*
37.1/55/37.4
37.3/55.6/38
37.5/55.3/35.7
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)
14.1
15.1
14.2
15.3
*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.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Dashboard
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
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.
2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Front Angle View
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.
Model
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (Expected)
2021 Honda Civic
2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Kia Forte
Curb Weight (lbs.)
2965*
2771
2868
2908
Length (in.)
185.1*
182.7
184.1
182.7
Width (in.)
70.8*
70.9
71.9
70.9
Height (in.)
57.4*
55.7
55.7
56.5
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.6
N/A
5.3
5.3
Wheelbase (in.)
105.7*
106.3
107.1
106.3
Track Width (in.) F/R
60.7/60.4*
60.9/61.5
62.7/62.8
61.5/61.9
*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:
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
Final Verdict
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.