The 2020 Jetta is practical and competent. It also looks good. But don't expect to discover any hidden depths. The Jetta isn't exceptional enough to claim the top spot on its mundane merits.
SEL and SEL Premium add standard wireless device charging
Six-speed manual transmission standard on R-Line trims
Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019
Edmunds says
As much as we like the VW Jetta for its comfortable ride and convenient storage solutions, it falls into a rather disappointing sixth place in our small sedan rankings. This isn't because there's anything terribly disappointing about the 2020 Jetta. Other than a grabby brake pedal that makes it hard to stop smoothly and more hard interior plastics than rivals, this is an agreeable little car. Still, rivals such as the sporty Honda Civic, value-packed Kia Forte and upscale Mazda 3 are more compelling overall.
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.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I was looking for a basic commuter car for 100 mile daily round trip to work. The new Jetta looks great, understated but with some character. It is very quiet and comfortable on the road. Acceleration and handling are adequate, but nice for a base model car. Averaging 39 mpg over the first 1,500 miles with a max of 47 mpg for a 50 mile trip to work. It's great being able to drive the 500 … miles a week for commuting to work on one tank of gas. Yeah, it's the first year of a major redesign, which is usually a non-starter, but the 6 yr, 72,000 warranty puts my mind somewhat at ease.
UPDATE: After 2.5 years and almost 60,000 miles the Jetta has been a great car. Still averaging around 40 mpg. Everything has held up well - looks almost new and no mechanical issues. I've been very happy with the car.
I've been car hunting, planning to buy a small sedan when my current lease is up. I've had an opportunity to spend a few days with a 2019 Jetta R-line, and I am really surprised by how much I like it. Not that I expected it to be a bad car, but I was cross-shopping against the Mazda, Subaru, Hondas, and some higher level brands like Audi and Acura. Frankly, the Jetta provides the best … bang-for-the-buck compared to the others I have tested. The interior layout is excellent, with a dashboard that puts everything exactly where you want it. Handling and stability is as good as it gets at this price point, although I think the 17" wheels are a must for this. The engine is suprisingly punchy, with plenty of jump for passing on the highway. It's also got a great selection of tech & features (Apple Carplay, drivers assist features, sun roof, LED headlights with side-turning assist, etc.) for a car in this class. The steering is tad mushy, but still responsive. It's not going to compete with the luxury cars on finishing details, but it's a great alternative at a reasonable price.
Bye bye BMW
5 out of 5 stars
Germanaficionado, 11/11/2020
2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This car is absolutely amazing. I love that it has all the modern features and then some compared to my 2016 BMW 335i. The acceleration is very quick especially if you venture into manual mode. I typically leave the car in it's sport setting because it feels like it handles much better however if I'm crusing or low on gas I'm for sure in ECO. Speaking of gas the fuel economy is … spectacular!!! I have gone over 520 miles to be specific during long distance drives. I can easily make a long distance trip on 2 tanks such as Austin to Denver. On a daily note I am closer to 40 mpg and depending on how heavy my foot is but never below 25mpg. I liked how the handbook had recommendations on how to be economical by not filling the car up with gas unless you are on a trip. This has saved me sooooo much money! Also not having extra items in the car to weigh it down. The LED bulb headlights on the Sel are also perfect if you live in dark areas and light up so much however I'm still not a fan of the auto headlights as the tend to flash other drivers and there is no quick way to shut it off without flashing again. The sound system by beats is actually really amazing and I have no complaints. I dont like that my phone always triggers the seatbelt warning in my passenger seat but heavier items don't but there isn't any real space to place the phone as I have a note 20 and also had the issue with my galaxy 10+. I would buy this car again and again and tell everyone it's worth every penny. I giggle inside seeing audis and fancier cars that have the same stuff but cost way more. Me and my bank are happy hopefully yours will be too! Happy driving!!!!
Fantastic car but serious ding for weak A/C
3 out of 5 stars
trutell, 07/16/2019
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4T S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Went for a test drive today and the car is superior in most every way especially for the price. Have been comparing the Honda models which are also quite good. But at 85 degrees, the A/C couldn't cut it for the front seat occupants let alone the guy in the back seat. If you get hot weather in the summer you will not be happy with the results. We also tried the Golf for comparison's sake. … A/C was also a dog. You would think VW would get the message after decades of experience with the bug which never could supply enough heat. Now we have the opposite. People actually care about climate performance. Dealer's excuse was they had to shrink compressor/evaporator capacity to preserve top mileage.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.
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Edmunds says
