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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2024 Volkswagen Jetta Review
What do our experts think of the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta? We look at interior options, powertrain, and more in our review.
What’s New for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta?
On sale since 1979, the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta carries the 7th-generation forward with a new 40th Anniversary Edition for GLI models. First arriving in 1984, these new models will sport all manner of special touches like exterior badging and patterned seat inserts, plus a limited production number of, that’s right, 1,984 units.
Other changes to the latest Jetta over the 2023 model, which we review here, include newly standard IQ.DRIVE, the automaker’s bundle of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and one that features Level 2 semi-autonomous driving tech. As well, S models gain rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Sport models pick up heated front seats, and the GLI Autobahn spec now features a heated steering wheel.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta – vw.com | Shop 2024 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
8/10
Interior
Score
7.5/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8/10
The Breakdown
Manual transmission
Level 2 semi-autonomous driving tech
Impressive fuel economy
Small infotainment screens
Bland styling
Light on modern tech
Still a good car after all these years
2024 Jetta Specs
- 158 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 14.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- NHTSA 5-STAR overall rating
- Beats Audio 8-speaker stereo
- 2 years of complimentary maintenance
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Powertrain 8/10
Most of the 2024 Jetta lineup is powered by a turbocharged 1.5L inline-4 motor making 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. S and Sport models come with a 6-speed manual that routes power to the front wheels, while an 8-speed automatic can be had for about $800.
In SE and SEL guise, the automatic is the only transmission, while Sport models are differentiated by the application of a brake-based limited-slip differential (LSD) that applies the brakes to individual wheels as needed to reduce understeer.
GLI models run on a turbocharged 2.0L four-pot rated for 228 hp and 258 torques. A 6-speed manual is standard here, but a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic can be optioned for $800. A mechanical LSD is part of the deal that also brings adaptive dampers with a sport-tune, a lower ride height, and larger brake rotors.
If you’re looking to get the best gas mileage, the 2024 Jetta in S or Sport trim – regardless of transmission – earns 34 mpg combined. SE and SEL models come in at 33 mpg combined, and the higher-powered GLI predictably fares the worst at 28 mpg combined.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Interior 7.5/10
VW’s 2-row, 5-passenger 2024 Jetta follows the traditional German approach of restraint when it comes to cabin design, which is not to say unpleasant, but it is on the simple side. Upholstery ranges from cloth and V-Tex to leather with climatized front cushions, heated rear seats, and even a heated steering wheel on top grades.
As a compact sedan, the Jetta is reasonably roomy with 37 inches of rear legroom. But stepping up to a new Honda Accord brings 41 inches back there, so keep that in mind if you intend to cart several adults around. Trunk space comes in at just over 14 cubic feet and the standard 60/40 split/fold rear seat allows for hauling of longer gear on all models.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Technology Features 8.5/10
Aside from the top-spec SEL with its 8-inch infotainment screen, the rest of the 2024 Jetta lineup comes with a 6.5-inch unit, which is decidedly small these days. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as is a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Car-Net app-based vehicle control. An 8-speaker Beats by Audio system and a wireless phone charging pad are available on higher-spec Jettas.
New for 2024, VW fits every Jetta with IQ.DRIVE, the ADAS suite that includes forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist which offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The NHTSA rated last year’s model 5 stars overall in crash testing, but the IIHS gave the latest Jetta a rating of Poor for the Moderate Front Overlap crash test.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Trims & Pricing
S – $22,585
Though very reasonably priced, the base 2024 Jetta is well-equipped with alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and LED headlights. Inside, buyers can choose from black or gray cloth, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter are both standard.
Sport – $23,735
Sport models sit on 17-inch rims, have a front grille light bar, and a variety of gloss black trim bits. The cabin features a black headliner, sport seats with heat up front, black fabric upholstery with white stitching, and stainless-steel pedal caps.
SE – $26,025
The midpack Jetta SE gains remote engine start, access to the Kings Red paint color, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic moonroof can be optioned for $850, but the standard list of equipment also includes V-Tex leatherette upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
GLI 40th Anniversary – $29,235
Along with the powertrain needed to compete against a Honda Civic Si, the GLI 40th Anniversary steps up the style with 40th Anniversary exterior badging, blackout detailing, special seat fabric, engraved cupholders, and 40th Anniversary tags on the seats.
SEL – $29,975
This fully loaded 2024 Jetta boasts heated windshield washer nozzles, upgraded headlights, and a panoramic moonroof. An ambient lighting system dresses up the inside, which also features heat for the steering wheel and rear seats, ventilation for the front seats, and leather upholstery. This is the only Jetta with the larger 8-inch infotainment display, navigation, wireless phone charging, and automatic high beams.
GLI Autobahn – $32,935
In Autobahn-spec, the Jetta GLI sports 18-inch black rims, red accents, a chrome dual exhaust, two-tone paint, and red-painted brake calipers. These models also have bolstered front seats with red stitching and a Performance Monitor with details on boost pressure and G-forces.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta Overall Value 8/10
For 22 grand, the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta in base S trim is a tremendous value with plenty of solid features, but I would be hard-pressed to pass up the GLI 40th Anniversary given all the fun little touches that make it special. Compared to a Honda Civic, the Jetta stacks up very well on price alone and the fact that it still offers a stick makes it that much more compelling. The 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain coverage is also a nice touch in the mainstream segment, not to mention 2 years of complimentary service.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8/10
2024 Volkswagen Jetta – vw.com | Shop 2024 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
For the price, there’s not much fault to be found on the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. It does feel a bit short on tech that some more modern rivals like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra offer – a more potent stereo, parking sensors, a bigger infotainment screen, and a digital key for example – but on the whole, we’re fans of the Jetta.
For one thing, a manual transmission is standard, which is ultra-rare these days. Then there’s the deep roster of standard ADAS. Add in the nostalgic vibes of the GLI 40th Anniversary model and we’re all over the latest Jetta. But we’d spend some time studying car price negotiation tactics before visiting the dealership.
2024 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
Do Volkswagen Jettas take diesel fuel?
The 2024 Jetta runs on gasoline only, but Volkswagen did sell a diesel-powered model until 2016. Just be sure to do your homework if you’re thinking about buying one given the massive corporate scandal these VWs were wrapped up in.
Are Volkswagen Jettas good in the snow?
The Jetta is just as good as any other front-drive sedan in the snow, where it’s pulling instead of pushing like a RWD vehicle. But with a good set of winter tires, the Jetta will perform far better in the snow.
How much cargo space is in a Jetta?
The trunk of a 2024 VW Jetta offers 14.2 cubic feet of volume.
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