2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Name: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 18939 USD
Rating: 3.8 (27 reviews)

Volkswagen Jetta SEL Sedan Exterior Shown

+206

Used Jetta for sale

$18,939 - $24,998

27 listings

See Cars for Online Purchase See All for Sale

Appraise This Car

Volkswagen Jetta model years

Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

byRonald Montoya^{Senior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at Edmunds and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.}

Pros

Pleasingly smooth ride
Ample storage in the cabin
Customizable digital instrument cluster lends a techy vibe

Cons

Brakes feel grabby at low speeds
Steering wheel controls take some getting used to
Cabin is more plasticky than others in the class

What's new

New, more powerful engine
Updated styling
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is now standard
New standard safety features
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta receives a multitude of upgrades that should help it be a more compelling pick among other top small sedans including the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte and Mazda 3. Highlights for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta include revised exterior styling (courtesy of new bumpers and a new grille), a more powerful engine, a simplified trim level structure, and an expanded set of standard tech features.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$124/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Last year's Jetta had a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That's a decent output for a small sedan, but it results in unremarkable acceleration. At Edmunds' test track, we clocked a Jetta from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. For comparison, a new Civic we tested, with its optional turbocharged engine, reached 60 mph a half-second quicker. The 2022 Jetta gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine good for 158 hp, and the hope is that it'll quicken the pace a little.

You'll also get more standard technology features on the 2022 Jetta. Now even the base S trim has advanced driver aids such as forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring. A small digital gauge cluster is standard on the S trim too. A few assist features, such as traffic-adaptive cruise control, are still optional for the S, but VW makes them standard starting with the midrange SE trim. Notably, the top-line Jetta SEL now has wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can integrate many of your phone's apps onto the touchscreen without having to use a USB cord.

The current-generation Jetta debuted for the 2019 model year and since then we've commented favorably on the Jetta's Audi-like styling and generally sensible demeanor. But it's also not a car that makes you think, "Wow, I've got to have one of those!" Volkswagen seems to have done right with the 2022 Jetta. The changes are unlikely to help vault the Jetta to the top of our small sedan rankings, but they will undoubtedly improve upon the car's core attributes of space, no-nonsense style and technology.

Which Jetta does Edmunds recommend?

The Jetta SE trim includes all the available safety technology as standard, plus modern amenities such as keyless entry, heated seats, simulated leather and rain-sensing wipers, for not much more than the base price. But if you like the look of dark trim or want a sportier-looking sedan, the Sport trim is nicely equipped and slightly less expensive than the SE.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta models

Volkswagen offers the 2022 Jetta in four trim levels: S, Sport, SE and SEL. All models are powered by a new-for-2022 turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, borrowed from the Taos SUV. It produces 158 horsepower (11 more hp than last year) and 184 lb-ft of torque and is only available with front-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the S and Sport trims, while all the others come with an eight-speed automatic. Feature highlights for the Jetta include:

S
The Jetta line kicks off with this basic model and this equipment:

LED headlights
16-inch alloy wheels
6.5-inch touchscreen
Two USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Four-speaker sound system
Digital instrument cluster (8-inch display)
Volkswagen Car-Net mobile app with remote start, door locking/unlocking, parked location finder and other functions

The S also comes with standard advanced driver aids that include:

Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Volkswagen offers an affordable IQ.Drive package for the S trim models with the automatic transmission. It adds to the car's standard driver aids with:

Active blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot and can add steering assistance to discourage a lane change)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Jetta and the car in front)
Emergency assistance (identifies an unresponsive driver and brings the Jetta to a safe stop with the hazard lights flashing)

Sport
The Sport trim is similar to last year's R-Line trim and adds some cosmetic and performance upgrades that include:

17-inch alloy wheels
Gloss-black front grille
Black window trim, mirror caps and headliner
Front accent lights
Rear-seat center armrest with cupholders

Similar to the Jetta S, with the Jetta Sport with an automatic transmission, you can also opt for the IQ.Drive package of driving assistance tech.

SE
Includes all IQ.Drive driver aids as standard equipment, along with:

Sunroof (optional)
17-inch alloy wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
Simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Keyless entry with push-button start

SEL
The top of the line for the Jetta by way of:

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Remote engine start
Upgraded infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen and navigation
Bigger digital instrument cluster (10.25-inch display)
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Nine-speaker Beats Audio sound system
Leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Ambient cabin lighting with 10 colors

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#25 out of 46 among Compact Cars

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.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.

5 (59%)

4 (3%)

3 (15%)

2 (5%)

1 (18%)

3.8

27 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 27 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Excellent value for the price

Thomas P, 05/27/2022

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I owned a 2017 Jetta S manual and recently purchased a 2022 Jetta Sport manual. The upgrades are significant in the '22. The seats are more comfortable and much more attractive. The 1.5L turbo has more punch, and the six speed manual is among the smoothest I've ever driven (and I have owned numerous standard transmission cars over 30 years of driving). The optional Driver Assistance … package is an awesome addition for the price. The autonomous cruise works well, leather steering wheel/shifter add some fit and finish, and knowing the car is equipped with emergency braking technology offers peace of mind. The best accident is the one you avoid. I've filled the tank twice in this car. My first tank was a mix of city/highway, and I managed 37.9 mpg. The second tank of mostly highway driving surpassed 41 mpgs. My 17 Jetta would manage nearly 50 mpgs on long highway trips, and I have no doubt this new drivetrain will manage the same once broken in. Outstanding efficiency. There are some basic plastics inside, and the car has an underwhelming radio. It doesn't have satellite radio unless you buy the top trim, and I think that's a meaningful omission and marketing mistake. That should be standard equipment, or at a minimum optional on any trim other than the base model. It's my only complaint. All in all, it's a far-improved car over the past five model years. Noticeable improvement in the interior with digital instrumentation, seats, standard technology. The car has grown a few inches to really ride the line between a compact and midsize, which I really appreciate at the compact price. Massive trunk. While nobody will confuse the car with an Audi, it definitely is a handsome vehicle for the pedestrian price point. I definitely recommend the Sport model over the S for the small price increase. It meaningfully changes the presence of the automobile, both inside and out. Is this a swanky car? Of course not. This is a bargain purchase. But VWs are safe, extremely efficient, feel well-built inside and out, and my 17 caused me zero mechanical or reliability issues in the five years I owned it. Nothing broke on the car at all, nothing required unexpected service. It's what brought me back for another quality commuter vehicle. We have a much more expensive family SUV which shares our garage with the Jetta. The Jetta is the better value for the purchase price, as long as you have reasonable expectations for what you're purchasing. I would definitely recommend the brand and the vehicle far and away above any other competitive product other than the Honda Civic. That's a great car, too, and a comparable product. Between the two, I would argue it comes down to aesthetic preferences, but this car deserves far more accolades than it seems to be receiving.

Fantastic with impressive highway mpg of 40

Rick, 05/22/2022

2022 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I don’t understand why somebody would buy a non turbo Mazda 3 (the comparable car) rather than this. The Jetta has great low end torque for around town driving that makes it very peppy. Easily handles passing on the highway at 80mph+. Fairly quiet and smooth ride. Interior is well designed but not fancy. The infotainment system with wireless CarPlay is a underrated feature - its quick …

Get the SEL Premium if you can!

Micky from SoCal, 07/13/2021

2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

This vehicle drives well above its class. Despite the small engine and low HP, it is peppy and smooth, and is eager to go. It’s very refined in its handling, reminding me of the mercedes S my Dad had when I was younger and I did my learners permit training on. No, it isn’t a V8 like that, but driving it feels very similar, which means VW had come a long way. No rattles or squeaks so far. …

Nice Car for the Money

Redblock, 07/02/2021

2021 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Lots of features, great gas mileage, good Auto transmission unlike some of the competition which offer CVT Transmissions.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Volkswagen Jetta

Write a vehicle review

2022 Jetta Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,365
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	34 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Jetta models:

Blind-Spot Monitor: Alerts you with visual and audible warnings if other vehicles are in your blind spot.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System: Applies the brakes once the airbags go off to reduce the possibility of further damage during an accident.
Forward Collision Warning: Sounds an alert when a front collision is likely and primes and applies the brakes if necessary.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover13%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

People who viewed this also viewed

Honda Civic
4.8 average Rating out of 39 reviews.
Starting at $23,950

See Honda Civic Inventory

Volkswagen Taos
4.7 average Rating out of 3 reviews.
Starting at $23,995

See Volkswagen Taos Inventory

Toyota Corolla
3.0 average Rating out of 3 reviews.
Starting at $22,050

See Toyota Corolla Inventory

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Which Jetta does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Volkswagen Jetta models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Excellent value for the price

Fantastic with impressive highway mpg of 40

Get the SEL Premium if you can!

Nice Car for the Money

2022 Jetta Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Which Jetta does Edmunds recommend?

2022 Volkswagen Jetta models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Excellent value for the price

Fantastic with impressive highway mpg of 40

Get the SEL Premium if you can!

Nice Car for the Money

2022 Jetta Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2022 Volkswagen Jetta info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta S 4dr Sedan (1.5L 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}