2023 Volkswagen Jetta: 40 Years Strong
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta has been on the road for 40 years. Is this legendary sedan worth a buy? We look at interior options, trim levels, and more.
What’s New for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta?
On sale for over 40 years, a history we look back on here, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is getting lonely in VW’s sedan lineup. Last year’s Passat, which we review here, has been discontinued and the Arteon is due for the axe next year. Nonetheless, the 7th-gen Jetta underwent a mid-cycle refresh for 2022 and continues to offer ample interior space, a high level of advanced driver aids, and an engaging driving experience for enthusiasts. Updates this year are limited to more powerful USB charging ports and the addition of remote start to SE models.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Standard manual transmission
Tremendous fuel efficiency
Easy on the wallet
Nondescript style
Dour cabin
Limited standard amentities
Low-cost driving fun
2023 Jetta Specs
- 158 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 14.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Full-width gauge cluster navigation display
- Semi-autonomous Travel Assist system
- Four years of basic vehicle coverage
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Powertrain
Attention enthusiasts: the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta still comes standard with a 6-speed manual. Though you can pay an extra $790 for an 8-speed automatic if you prefer. In either case, the transmission pairs with a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 to spin the front wheels – there is no AWD option. Power on this base motor is rated at 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Though this powertrain will get you around without complaint, those interested in more excitement behind the wheel might consider the GLI Autobahn model. It features a 2.0L setup, turbocharged and intercooled, that produces 228 horsepower and 258 torques with premium fuel.
Like the rest of the 2023 Jetta lineup, the GLI rides on an independent front suspension. But out back, it swaps torsion beams for a multi-link setup, adds a rear stabilizer bar, comes with larger brake rotors, and sits 0.6 inches lower to the ground. It’s not quite a Golf GTI, but it’s close and should satisfy cravings for corner carving.
Other GLI highlights include an available 7-speed dual-clutch automatic if the manual isn’t for you, a mechanical front limited slip-deferential, and standard adaptive dampers. Those dampers come with three firmness settings and pair with the exclusive variable-ratio steering rack to ensure even more finely-tuned handling.
Fuel Economy & MPG
Bucking the current trend, VW’s 2023 Jetta offers better fuel economy with the manual transmission than the automatic. Base models with the 6-speed are rated for 29 mpg in city driving and 42 on the highway. Opting for the automatic drops the highway figure by two mpg. The same is true of the spritelier GLI, which is rated for 26/37 mpg for city/highway driving and one less on the highway side when fitted with the automatic.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Aside from the brown-and-black design available on SEL trim, the 2023 Jetta cabin is a sea of black with a fair amount of plastic and not a lot of character. Fortunately, this 5-seater makes up for it with a relatively large cabin. Rear legroom measures 37 inches to the 35 found in a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The Corolla, which we review here, also has one less cubic foot of room in the trunk when compared to the 14 found in the Jetta.
The Jetta’s rear bench can be folded down in a 60/40 configuration and there is a center pass-through feature on Sport models and above that is ideally suited to packing skis. There is genuine leather included on SEL and GLI models with the latter dressed up with a touch of red stitching on the seats and door panels. Niceties like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver cushion require at least an SE with upscale amenities like ambient cabin lighting and memory settings reserved for the priciest models.
Entertainment & Technology
On the touchscreen front, a base 2023 Volkswagen Jetta comes with a 6 ½-inch display, while top trim lines sport an 8-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are lineup standard software, but Jettas with the 8-inch screen also offer wireless integration for these popular systems.
VW partners with Beats Audio to offer an 8-speaker stereo plus subwoofer on SEL trim and every 2023 Jetta comes with a 5-year subscription to Car-Net. This suite of connectivity apps includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote control of locks and engine start as well as a series of parent-friendly features like Speed and Curfew Alert.
Safety Features
Volkswagen fits every 2023 Jetta with a blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, but forward collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control require at least the SE trim or an add-on package. The SE also comes with Travel Assist, which is VW’s semi-automated hands-free driving tech. Six airbags and a post-collision braking system are lineup standard and help the 2023 Jetta earn a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta Trims & Pricing
S – $21,760
The entry-level Jetta S has only increased in price by $300 over last year’s model that we review here. It comes with 16-inch alloy wheels and full exterior LED lighting. Cloth upholstery is on hand inside as is a 6 ½-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring.
Sport – $22,650
Jetta Sport looks the part with more aggressive front and rear fascias plus 17-inch wheels. Cabin upgrades include a black headliner and sport seats with white stitching.
SE – $25,480
Rain-sensing windshield wipers and remote engine start add convenience to the Jetta SE. It also features dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and ACC with Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving tech.
SEL – $29,480
As the upscale Jetta, SEL trim boasts a panoramic sunroof, climatized front buckets wrapped in leather, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. The high-end Beats Audio stereo is also included as is an 8-inch central screen, wireless phone charging, and a fully digital gauge cluster.
GLI Autobahn – $32,680
Along with the more potent powertrain, GLI models bring 18-inch wheels, exclusive exterior red accents, the option for two-tone paint, and a red-trimmed cabin. A Performance Monitor, managed via the touchscreen display, shows metrics like G-force and boost pressure.
Warranties
Volkswagen’s warranty is generous on basic coverage with a four-year or 50,000-mile window, but the same term applies to the powertrain, which is on the low side for the industry. Roadside assistance is on hand for three years or 36,000 miles and the automaker includes maintenance for the first two years or 20,000 miles of ownership.
What we think
2023 Volkswagen Jetta – vw.com | Shop 2023 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
As sedan offerings continue to fade away, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is a beacon of hope with ample room, reasonable pricing, and engaging dynamics. It’s not the most interesting car to lay eyes on inside or out however, it packs a fair amount of infotainment tech into all models, is miserly with fuel, and makes such high-end features like semi-autonomous driving available. The SE offers the best value with a $25,000 starting price and loads of creature comforts. That being said, the GLI Autobahn might be hard to resist after a test drive, so be sure to review our breakdown of the latest incentives before you take one.
