more about this model
Pros Carlike drivability, generous cargo capacity, miserly fuel consumption, refined interior.
Cons Middling acceleration and handling performance, limited interior storage.
Wagons and diesel engines have been battling outdated misconceptions for decades here in the U.S. However, those negative undercurrents seem to be subsiding, thanks to spikes in oil prices and the recent shift away from large SUVs. The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI looks to capitalize on the new normal, offering all of the benefits associated with a wagon as well as a diesel's frugal nature.
As is the case with most wagons, the VW Jetta SportWagen benefits from a boxy interior that can accommodate plenty of cargo and transport up to five passengers. Its carlike proportions and driving dynamics make it easier to pilot than a crossover SUV, while its economical diesel engine returns an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined driving compared to the gasoline-powered SportWagen's 25 mpg.
The average driver should be able to recoup the $2,475 price difference between the two within seven years. This may seem a bit long to some, but driving more than 15,000 miles annually will bring this figure down. Despite its benefits, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI undoubtedly has an uphill battle ahead of it, as crossover SUVs still have a stranglehold on the market when it comes to family haulers.
For shoppers who need to transport more than five people at a time, a vehicle like Ford's Flex certainly has an edge over the VW. For those with their sights set on wagons, the Jetta's most direct competitor is the more expensive Audi A3 TDI — which is based on our SportWagen test vehicle and can be had with all-wheel drive. Other alternatives like the Subaru Outback and the Toyota Venza are also worthy of consideration.
Performance Powering the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a six-speed DSG automatic transmission on its way to the front wheels. Manual shift control is operated via the gear selector.
Despite its SportWagen name, performance takes a backseat to fuel economy. In testing, the Jetta required 8.9 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill (8.6 seconds with rollout). Braking from that speed ate up a rather lengthy but consistent 129 feet. Runs through the slalom resulted in an equally unimpressive 64.9 mph, while the skid pad returned a 0.80g rating.
On the open road, handling was responsive enough for a bit of fun, but in no way was it sporty. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway and 34 mpg in combined driving; we achieved an average of 30.1 mpg. These test results are in line with our long-term 2009 Jetta TDI sedan, although our four-door felt noticeably livelier than the wagon.
Off the line, the wagon exhibited a rather lethargic crawl that gave way to a burst of power once the turbo spooled up — something we never felt in our long-term sedan. Slowing to a stop, we also noticed uneven deceleration as the transmission downshifted into lower gears. When the road becomes curvy, the wagon tracks through turns adequately, aided by steering that is both accurate and well-weighted.
Comfort Our Jetta SportWagen test car delivered a level of refinement and comfort that places it high among competing vehicles. Wind noise at highway speeds is quelled to near silence, though some road noise on coarser surfaces tended to resonate throughout the cabin. The wagon's ride quality was compliant enough to soak up bumps and ruts in the pavement, but still provided a confidence-inspiring feel for the road.
The front seats provided ample space for larger folk and the multitude of adjustments ensured a comfortable fit. If we were to find any fault with those seats, it would be the lack of lumbar support. Rear seats were also comfortable, with adequate room for average-size adults. The center position is much narrower and lacks the legroom of the outboard seats because of the extending center console, but it should do just fine in a pinch for child passengers.
Function On the whole, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI admirably fills the role of a utilitarian family hauler. Overall visibility is exceptional, thanks to its expansive greenhouse and narrow roof pillars. The wide rear hatch window gives a clear view of the surroundings when reversing, lessening the need for a back-up camera or parking sensors. The simple gauges are legible in any lighting condition, with additional information available in the multifunction screen between the speedometer and tach. Controls are all within easy reach of the driver and intuitively placed for easy operation.
Of course, the main draw for those shopping for a wagon is its ability to shuttle precious cargo to and fro. The cargo space behind the rear seats measures a generous 32.8 cubic feet. Those rear seats fold down, but not flat, opening up a yawning 66.9 cubes. More importantly, though, is the cargo area's shape, which is fairly squarish — allowing for the transport of bulkier items. Hatchbacks and some rakish crossovers are at a disadvantage in this regard, since their sloping roof lines limit vertical capacity. The lift-over height is low for easier loading, and a nifty folding divider keeps parcels securely in place.
For those with precious cargo that requires a child safety seat, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen easily accepts either a front- or rear-facing seat with little or no impact on front-passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers will find storage a bit limited, though, with only a small center armrest bin to supplement the modest door and seatback pockets. Front-seaters fare better with a decent center armrest bin and a few small cubbies.
Design/Fit and Finish The SportWagen's exterior styling utilizes plenty of rounded, organic shapes for a sleek yet understated appearance. Overall, the shape is a bit uninspiring, but the tasteful use of chrome trim pieces manages to spice things up a bit. The interior design continues the understated theme, with dark-colored surfaces accented by metallic trim. In general, the interior looks rather serious and businesslike — just a half-step down from its upscale Audi cousins.
Interior materials get high marks, especially when compared to the competition. Hard plastics can be found in the door panels and center console, but these pieces are just as well-textured as the rest of the surfaces. Build quality is top-notch, without so much as a hint of a squeak or rattle. Seats are also praiseworthy, as they're upholstered in a very convincing faux leather material that never felt stifling, even after hours behind the wheel.
Who should consider this vehicle The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI represents a capable and economical alternative to crossover SUVs. An added plus is a refined interior that looks and feels upscale, as well as an amenable ride quality.
Others To Consider:
Audi A3, Ford Flex, Subaru Outback, Toyota Venza.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2010 Volkswagen Jettas for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 1,162 used and CPO 2010 Jettas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 5,350 and mileage as low as 42,593. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 157 on a used or CPO 2010 Jetta available from one of 2,633 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta ?
Save up to $156.8 on one of 34 used 2010 Volkswagen Jettas for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $5350 as of Apr 21, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 36 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 1 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta trim styles:
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta S is priced around $5998 with average odometer reading of 93856 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SE PZEV is priced around $6995 with average odometer reading of 104687 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition is priced around $6960 with average odometer reading of 92140 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI is priced around $15590 with average odometer reading of 67431 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Limited Edition PZEV is priced around $7496 with average odometer reading of 43915 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is priced around $9595 with average odometer reading of 167349 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition PZEV is priced around $5350 with average odometer reading of 96992 miles.
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta S PZEV is priced around $5700 with average odometer reading of 133509 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
Available Volkswagen Jetta 2010 Submodel Types: 2.0T GLI, Sedan, GLI SEL PZEV, Diesel, Wagon, 2.0T GLI SEL, GLI SEL, 2.0T GLI SE PZEV, GLI SE, GLI SE PZEV, Hybrid
Available Volkswagen Jetta 2010 Trims: 1.4T S, 1.4T SE, 1.8T SE Sport, 1.4T Wolfsburg Edition, S w/Technology, 2.0T GLI, SE PZEV w/Connectivity, 1.8T Sport PZEV, GLS, 2.5, 1.8T SEL, SE PZEV w/Connectivity, Navigation, Sport, 1.4T S w/Technology, TDI SE w/Connectivity, GLS 1.8T, 1.8T SEL PZEV, SEL, TDI S, GL, GLI SEL PZEV, TDI SEL, 1.4T SE w/Connectivity, GLX VR6, Base PZEV, GLS TDI, SE PZEV, Wolfsburg Edition PZEV, 1.8T SEL Premium, Base, Limited Edition PZEV, S PZEV, SE w/Connectivity, Navigation, Value Edition, 1.8T Sport, S, SE w/Connectivity, SportWagen TDI, TDI Value Edition, Value Edition , 2.0T GLI SEL, 2.5 PZEV, GL 1.8T, GL PZEV, GLI, GLI SEL, GLS (1999.5), SEL PZEV, SEL Premium PZEV, SportWagen SE, TDI, TDi, Wolfsburg Edition, 2.0T, 2.0T GLI SE PZEV, GLI 1.8T, GLI SE, GLI SE PZEV, GLI VR6, GLS VR6, GLS Wolfsburg Edition 1.8T, Hybrid SEL Premium, Limited Edition, SE, SportWagen S, SportWagen SE PZEV, SportWagen SEL
Exterior Colors: Pure White, Black Uni, Silk Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, Cardinal Red Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Moonrock Silver Metallic, Tempest Blue Metallic, Toffee Brown Metallic, Platinum Gray Metallic/Black Roof, Pure White/Black Roof, Tornado Red/Black Roof, Deep Black Pearl, Reflex Silver Metallic, Black, Dark Bronze Metallic, Platinum Gray, Platinum Gray Metallic, White Gold Metallic, Blue Graphite Metallic, Campanella White, Deep Black Metallic, Bright Green Pearl, Galactic Blue, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue, Silver Arrow, Wheat Beige, Galactic Blue Metallic, Salsa Red, Silver Arrow Metallic, Alaska Green Metallic, Baltic Green Pearl, Blue Graphite, Blue Lagoon Metallic, Candy White, Cool White, Indigo Blue, Mojave Beige, Spice Red
Interior Colors: Titan Black cloth, Cornsilk Beige leatherette, Palladium Gray/Black cloth, Titan Black/Palladium Gray cloth, Titan Black w/Black Headliner leatherette, Black/Ceramique leatherette, Titan Black w/Gray Contrast Stitching leatherette, GLI Titan Black leatherette, Gray, Anthracite leatherette, Ceramique (Gray) cloth, Titan Black/Carbon leatherette, Titan Black velour, Art Gray leatherette, Black, Pure Beige leatherette, Beige, Latte Macchiato cloth, Anthracite velour, Titan Black leatherette, Beige/Black leatherette, Art Gray cloth, Art Gray leather, Gray leather, Gray leatherette, Latte Macchiato velour, Pure Beige leather, Titan Black/Art Grey leatherette
Popular Features: Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Blind Spot Monitoring, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Navigation, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Parking sensors, Upgraded Headlights, Alarm, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Bluetooth, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Trip Computer, Leather Seats, USB Inputs
Engine/Mechanics: 5, 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL, AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended), diesel
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Overview
The used 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is offered in the following submodels: Wagon, Sedan, Diesel. Available styles include SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), SE PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 5cyl 6A), and SportWagen S 4dr Wagon (2.5L 5cyl 6A). Pre-owned Jetta models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2010 Jetta comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
