“BETTA GETTA JETTA” - These are the 1st words that you’ll see if you manage to stumble upon the new 2020 Jetta on Volkswagen USA’s webpage. Well, with the new 7th Gen model being launched last year, the New Jetta does have a lot going for itself and hence the Catchphrase. The Jetta is also one of the longest-running nameplates in the business and has been around for over 40 years now.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Starting at just nearly $18,500, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta has a lot to offer. Mechanically, the Sedan remains unchanged from 2019 and you still have to live with the 4 Cylinder Turbocharged motor. However, the Jetta is one of the few cars in the segment that comes with the option of a slick manual transmission as well. Talking of the changes from 2020, you’ll find Wireless Charging and Wi-Fi capabilities inside the Jetta. Also new for 2020 is the Cold Weather package that is optional on a few trims of the Jetta and standard on the others. VW has also updated it’s Car-Net Telematics System and is offering it as standard on all trims of the 2020 Jetta.
5 Trims are on offer, namely the S, SE, R-Line, SEL and SEL Premium, prices of whom range from nearly $18,500 to over $27,000. That pits it directly against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze and a lot more other sedans.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta third quarter view
2020 Volkswagen Jetta rear third quarter view
8.0/10 Pricing and Features
6.4/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.5/10 Interior
5.5/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
7.0/10 Competition
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing and Features
8.0/10
After getting a thorough redesign in 2019, VW has decided to not overhaul the 2020 iteration of the Jetta. However, having said that, VW has made some changes to the trim lineup. The Cold Weather Package is now available as an option on the SE and the SE R-Line trims, while it’s standard on SEL and above. Wireless Charging makes its way to the SEL and the SEL premium trims and you also get an updated Car-Net Telematics system.
Trims
S
SE
SE R-Line
SEL
SEL Premium
MSRP (Manual)
$18,895
-
$22,695
-
-
MSRP (Automatic)
$19,695
$22,645
$23,495
$25,495
$27,945
Key Features
Power Operated Side Mirrors
Adds to the Features from the ‘S’ Trim
Adds/Upgrades features from ‘SE’
Adds/Upgrades features from ‘R-Line’
Adds/Upgrades features from ‘SEL’
Automatic LED Headlights with LED DRL’s
Leather-wrapped steering and Seats
Black Grill Accents, Side Mirrors, Rear Sport Valance
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers with Heated Washer Nozzles, Wiper Park
Side Mirrors with Memory Function
LED Tail Lights
Start-Stop System
Black Headliner
VW Digital Cockpit
VW Car-Net Security
16” Rama Alloy Wheels
Keyless Access with Push Button Start
17” Trenton Alloy Wheels
17” Aluminum Alloy wheels
Ventilated Front Seats
Cruise Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
XDS Cross Differential
Beats Audio System
Sport Bolstered Comfort Seats
Multi-Function Steering wheel
Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert
Fog Lamps with low-speed Corner Illumination Feature
Auto-Dimming Inside Rear View Mirror
Front Seats with adjustable lumbar support
6 Way Manually Adjustable Driver’s Seat
Heated Front Seats
Center Arm Rest on the Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Seats
6-way power adjust driver seat with Memory
VW Car-Net App-Connect
Power Sliding Panoramic Sunroof
R-Line Badging on Front Grill
High Beam Assist and Remote Start
Front Collision Warning
USB Port with Bluetooth for Audio Streaming
10 Color Customizable Interior Lighting
1 Front USB and 1 USB Charging port
6.5” Touchscreen Infotainment System with Rear View Camera
8” Touchscreen System with Voice Control and Proximity Sensor
60/40 split-folding Rear Seat
Which trim is the best buy?
The R-Line trim of the 2020 Jetta, not only feels the sportiest of the entire range but comes with some cool features as well. Because of all this exclusivity and list of features, we would recommend this R-Line trim.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Engine and Performance
6.4/10
The engine in the VW Jetta is one of the most “Lively” in the class. Response from the Turbocharged 1.4L 147hp engine is crisp and precise and is probably one of the best in class. The massive 184lbs-ft of Torque also adds to the driving experience and makes the Engine feel at ease, most of the time.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan engine bay
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gains more Horsepower than its previous generation and also improves overall efficiency. One of the best bits about the engine is the fact that the Jetta’s engine can run on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike its competitors, which can only run on premium fuel.
Models
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Toyota Corolla L Sedan*
Honda Civic LX Sedan*
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan*
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE*
MSRP
$19,695 (A/T)
$19,600
$20,550
$20,035
$18,985
Engine
1.4L Turbo Inline-4
1.8 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
CVT
CVT
6-Speed Auto
6-Speed Automatic
Power
147hp@5000rpm
132hp@6,000rpm
158hp@6,500rpm
155hp@6,000rpm
147hp@6,200rpm
Torque
184lb-ft@1,400rpm
128lb-ft@4,400
138lb-ft@4,200rpm
150lb-ft@4,000rpm
132lb-ft@4,500rpm
* Used for MY 2019 for reference purposes.
The Turbocharged Motor in the VW delivers the maximum torque in this comparison and the 8-speed Automatic Transmission adds to the European Driving Experience that the VW is known for. There is a Manual Transmission on offer in the VW as well in the base variant for people, who want a more Connected Driving Experience with the Jetta. The transmission, in general, is pretty decent on shifts and usually shifts at around 4,000rpm. The Manual is redlined at 6,400rpm while the Automatic Variant redlines at around 6,000rpm.
Is it as fast as its adversaries?
Given the turbocharged motor inside the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, the acceleration timings of the Jetta ranks among the best in class. With German refinement and available power in hand, the Jetta turns out to be a good daily driver and making overtaking maneuvers when in the right gear.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan hits 0-60 mph just in 7.7 sec
Models
Volkswagen Jetta
Toyota Corolla L Sedan*
Honda Civic LX Sedan*
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan*
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE*
0-60 MPH
7.7 sec
9.4 sec
8.2 sec
8.0 sec
8.3 sec
Quarter Mile
16.0 sec
17.2 sec
16.3 sec
16.2 sec
16.4 sec
Top Speed
N/A
112 MPH
120 MPH
131 MPH
116 MPH
Engine
1.4L Turbo Inline-4
1.8 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
2.0 L inline-4
The Turbocharger in the Jetta also gives it an advantage in terms of the emissions as the exhaust gases are well utilized by the turbocharger, to generate less-polluting exhaust gases.
How good is the Ride and Handling?
Buyers who would want to buy the 2020 Jetta, would expect a Typical European ride out of the Jetta. In reality, though, the Jetta isn’t exactly on the same levels. The Suspension setup on the Jetta is less sophisticated than what the rivals have to offer. The Jetta tends to bounce over speed humps more than you would expect it to. The Ride isn’t unsettling in any way but it’s just that the German Flair that one expects from the Jetta is lacking.
The MQB platform though has significantly changed the Way the Jetta handles. The handling is tilted towards the Sportier side and the Low profile Tires add to the drama of driving the Jetta. The Steering is Lightweight and is quick to respond to inputs. As with the Braking, the Jetta handles the best while being driven around the city at 40MPH. However, take the Jetta down a motorway and you’ll find the need for a better tune of suspension for handling the additional speed or composure. The R-Line trim comes the closest here in offering a far better and composed ride, courtesy of a better suspension and handling package.
How good is the Braking performance?
With an All-New generation of any sedan, you’d expect the Sedan to have improved on all aspects. Sadly, that’s not the case with the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The Braking performance is decent while driving around the Cities or near School Zones. However, as you climb up the speed ladder and suddenly have to encounter a sudden braking situation, the brakes will slightly let you down. The Pedal feel is decent but a bit more byte and feedback from them would have been a big welcome.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan brakes
Models
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Toyota Corolla L Sedan*
Honda Civic LX Sedan*
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan*
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE*
Brake Rotors Front
11.5"
10.8"
10.2"
10.7"
10.3"
Brake Rotors Rear
10.8"
9.1"
9.8"
9.5"
9.7"
Curb Weight
2959 lbs
2840 lbs
2742 lbs
2899 lbs
2767 lbs
70-0 MPH
191 ft
183 ft
180 ft
179 ft
182 ft
The Jetta takes the highest distance to come to a halt form 70MPH by a big margin as compared to the competitors. The ESP and Traction Control do offer confidence and reduces the wobbliness of the Car when braking hard. However, rivals like the Mazda 3, offers a better level of braking performance and feel overall.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Economy
7.0/10
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta’s turbocharger is not only good on performance but good on efficiency as well. It has one of the best MPG figures in the segment and the efficient gearing, allows the VW to squeeze out the maximum efficiency from the 1.4L Motor. Combine the superb MPG figures of the Jetta with its 13.2-gallon fuel tank and you have a minimum range of nearly 400 miles. That’s Insane!
Models
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
MPG (City)
30
28
25
26
26
MPG (Highway)
39
36
36
35
36
MPG (Combined)
34
32
29
30
29
Fuel Capacity
13.2 gallons
13.2 gallons
12.39 gallons
13.2 gallons
14 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
396/528/448 miles
370/475/422 miles
310/446/359 miles
343/462/396 miles
364/504/406 miles
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
5.2
9.8
8.4
11.2
10.2
Talking of the rivals of the Jetta and you will find the ultra frugal Toyota, coming the closest to the VW, in terms of MPG figures. All the others in this category have similar MPG figures but it’s the Elantra that shines from the rest, courtesy of its bigger fuel tank.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Interior
7.5/10
One of the reasons why the MQB platform of the VW group has become famous is the Increase in interior Space. The MQB in the VW Jetta has created a similar impact in the 7th Gen Jetta as well. The Steering Pedals have been well-positioned while the Steering is in the right position.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan cockpit area
The Interior layout is typical German in Build. Customers won’t see many Inconsistencies or Panel gaps in the interiors of the Jetta and will be thoroughly impressed by the quality of materials used. The Seats have been given better bolstering and cushioning than the previous-gen car and have been made more ergonomic.
Models
VW Jetta Sedan
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.5/55.9/41.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
39.3/57.0/37.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
38.8/56.2/42.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
37.2/54/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.6/54.4/35.8
37.3/55.0/35.7
Passengers in the Front seat will enjoy the Space liberated via the use of the MQB platform in the Jetta. The headroom is decent for most passengers while the Shoulder room and Legroom will be something, the customers won’t complain much about. Similar Story exists for the Rear as well wherein, customers will get oodles of Space to comfortably rest their Bodies while on long drives.
How good is the Cargo carrying capacity?
The Expanded Interior Storage of the 2020 Jetta has caused a minuscule reduction in the Cargo Space of the Jetta. This is in no way can be termed small and is still comparable and somewhat better to what most rivals offer.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan cargo space
Models
VW Jetta
Honda Civic
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Hyundai Elantra
Cargo Capacity
14.1 cu.ft.
15.2 cu.ft.
12.4 cu.ft.
13.0 cu.ft.
14.4 cu.ft.
The Honda Civic offers the Best Cargo space due to its Compact Interiors however, the Jetta is not behind as it offers 14.1 cu ft. of Space. This coupled with Increased Cubby Holes and Storage compartments in the Cabin makes the Jetta, a very practical sedan.
How good is the Infotainment system?
Volkswagen has ensured that the infotainment system of the Jetta remains easy-to-use and understand. The infotainment system is loaded with all the modern bells and whistles that you'd expect from a sedan of this category. The interface as discussed is easy to use and understand but we would have appreciated a slightly slicker response from the unit. But that's just nit-picking. The other standout features of the infotainment includes the following few features
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan infotainment display
10.65” Digital Cockpit
1 Front Data and 1 Charging port
8” Touchscreen System with Navigation, Voice Assist, MP3/WMA Compatible Audio Player
Audio Streaming via Bluetooth
AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM Radio
400W Beats Audio System
Qi Wireless Charging and Wi-Fi hotspot
New Gen Car-Net Telematics system
VW App connect with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
What features to expect on the inside?
Like the infotainment, the Jetta's interiors come loaded to the hilt with a plethora of features on the inside. Some of the most noteworthy convenience features include the following
Panoramic Sunroof
Heated Steering Wheel and Heated Seats
Auto-dimming Interior Rearview mirror
Leather Wrapped Multi-Function Steering Wheel
Keyless Access with push-button Start
Leather Seating Surfaces
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Ventilated, Heated and 6 Way Powered Driver Seats with lumbar adjust and memory
Volkswagens of the past have always been criticized for their Boring and Dull Exteriors and Styling. With the 7th Generation of the Jetta, VW has tried to change this reputation of theirs by incorporating better design and character.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan side view
The Design is not offensive or aggressive unlike the competition but tends to stay Nonoffensive. The Looks may still be conservative but will attract more attention than the previous generation model There are Sharp lines across the bonnet of the Sedan that offers some Flair to the otherwise “Subtle” front. The Standard LED Headlamps do tend to grab the attention of On Lookers but Young Buyers may not feel the same.
How has the design evolved over time?
The 7th Gen Jetta has changed heavily in terms of Weights and Dimensions, after the incorporation of the MQB platform. It has grown considerably bigger over its previous generation avatar owing to the same fact. The Grill has grown bigger than before, with a more prominent VW Logo in the front.
The Wheelbase has grown to 105.7 Inch while the overall length has grown to 185.1 Inch. This overall increase in Length has liberated more space in the interiors however, the Cargo Space has reduced by 2 Cubic Feet to 14.
Model
VW Jetta
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Honda Civic Sedan
Mazda 3 Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Curb Weight
2767 lbs
2840 lbs
2724 lbs
2899 lbs
2844 lbs
Length
185.1"
183.1"
182.3"
180.3"
181.9"
Width
70.8"
69.9"
70.8"
70.7"
70.9"
Height
57.4"
57.3"
55.7"
57.3"
56.5"
Ground Clearance
5.6"
6.7"
6.3"
6.1"
5.3"
Wheelbase
105.7"
106.3"
106.3"
106.3"
106.3"
The Jetta is now the Longest Sedan in this Comparison courtesy of the MQB platform. The Tall Height of the Jetta allows Tall passengers to be accommodated comfortably in the Cabin. One downside to the new design, however, is the low ground clearance, which means you will have to be a little bit careful while going over speed bumps.
What are the most notable Exterior features?
With the massive change in 2019, Volkswagen introduced a plethora of updates on the inside of the Jetta. The same has been carried forward for 2019 as well. Here are the most notable features on the outside of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
LED Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lamps
LED Tail Lights and License plate Lights
Powered Side Mirrors with Memory Function
Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
Heated Side Mirrors
Fog Lights with low-speed corner illuminating feature
The VW Jetta has been one of the safest cars in the segment. It earned a Top Safety Pick in the IIHSRating for 2019, which is a testimony to VW’s preference for the Safety of its Cars. The 2020 car remains mostly unchanged from 2019 Version and hence, we expect it to have similar Safety ratings.
The 2020 VW Jetta tested by the IIHS nor the NHTSA up till now but we will update you with the same once we have the final results.
Some Safety Features in the VW Jetta include
ABS with EBD and Hydraulic Brake Assist
Electronic Stability Control with Anti Slip Regulation
Electronic Differential Locking and Engine Brake Assist
Driver and Front Passenger Front and Side Thorax Airbag
Front and Rear Side Curtain and Head Protection Airbag
Front Seatbelt with pre-tensioners and load limiters
LATCH child seat anchor points
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Competition
7.0/10
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Civic Sedan
The Honda has been the King of the Hill of the compact sedan segment for a variety of reasons. The Civic sedan offers unmatched reliability, cavernous interiors, and cargo space and an exciting drive. In terms of the resale value, you will find the Civic rank high on that list as well. The Civic handles better than the German and feels a bit more composed albeit underpowered than the Honda as well.
The VW, on the other hand, offers Unmatched Build Quality, something that even the Japanese have to match. The VW offers features like LED headlamps and Tail Lights as standard, even in the base variant which is a feature unheard of in this segment. Most importantly, the VW is cheaper than the Honda by $1,000 which makes it a good value.
2020 Honda Civic Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Mazda3
The Mazda Mazda3 has been the top pick among the buyers in the compact sedan segment for its amazing ride and handling characteristics. The Mazda has great sporting credentials and it instigates enthusiastic driving in the driver. The Mazda, however, is yet to get a 2020 edition and for now, it’s starting to feel dated.
The VW, on the other hand, is a fresher design, higher cargo capacity, and superb build quality to help its cause. The VW is also the cheaper among the 2 and has the edge in terms of features offered in the various trims as well.
2020 Mazda 3 sedan
Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been the most selling car in the compact sedan segment for a while now. People have loved the Corolla’s reliability, practicality, low cost of maintenance and economy. The 2020 Corolla, addresses it in a lot of ways but then again, people who want a corolla, will buy it in any case.
As of now, despite being cheaper than the VW, the Corolla doesn’t offer the Driving excitement or enthusiasm of the Jetta. It also doesn’t feel as well built as the Jetta and doesn’t feel as consistent in design as the VW. The VW also has the best Bumper to Bumper warranty in America and the Corolla also doesn’t match the Jetta in terms of features offered.
2020 Toyota Corolla
2020 Volkswagen Jetta Final Verdict
With the 7th Generation of the Jetta and the added features in 2020, VW has reignited the fire in the slowly dying compact sedan segment. The Jetta offers the best bumper to bumper warranty in America and with its German build, we hardly expect any flaws or reliability issues from the same as well. Sure, there are powerful or sportier or better handling cars than the Jetta in the segment. But, people who are bored of seeing a lot of Japanese or American cars on the roads and want a Handsome looking sedan with a European flair and with features that match/outruns the rivals, they should BETTA GETTA JETTA.
