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2021 Volkswagen Jetta Review
Price Range: $13,054 - $21,390
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Average
7.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2021 Jetta is practical and competent. It also looks good. But don't expect to discover any hidden depths. The Jetta isn't exceptional enough on any front to claim the top spot.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- New, more capable infotainment system standard on SEL trim and up
- Other minor revisions to standard feature availability
- Part of the seventh Jetta generation introduced for 2019
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$122/mo for Jetta S SULEV
Jetta S SULEV
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above 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
$443/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
1.15x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
9.8%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Volkswagen Jetta Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Get the SEL Premium if you can!
5 out of 5 starsMicky 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. …
The heated and cooled leather seats are comfortable, the driving position is great for a 6-3 person like me, the rear seats are easy to get kids into car seats (unlike last gen Jetta). The AC system cools well, the new stereo is cool (though I think it is due for a firmware update to fix a few bugs), and the digital cockpit is an awesome feature.
Edmunds claims they only got 30mpg combined. What were they doing? I live in a very hilly area and get 30mpg city on those trips. That’s a 600 ft elevation climb to drop kids at school, waiting in car lines, stopping starting and parking. And I turn the auto stop/start off. But I use the adaptive cruise control religiously, and I think that really helps with gas mileage.
On a highway run, I got 46 mpg. YMMV, but this is during the hot summer with AC running.
Considering what the average new car goes for, getting this car for under $29000 seems like a steal.
Best compact car I owed
5 out of 5 starsDan, 07/17/2021
2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium SULEV 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The Jetta SEL Premium is an outstanding compact car. The exterior design is very attractive. The interior is quieter and more luxurious than its competitors. The gas mileage is astounding. I get over 51 miles/gl on the highway and for the first 1,800 miles of mixed city/highway traffic the average is 37.6 miles/gl. The car fully deserves the 'baby-Audi' nickname. VW has a winner here!
Nice Car for the Money
5 out of 5 starsRedblock, 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.
Bye bye BMW
5 out of 5 starsGermanaficionado, 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!!!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Jetta since its last redesign.
2021 Jetta Highlights
S SULEV
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,995 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $122/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.1 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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