2018 Volkswagen Jetta

2018 Jetta Photos
The Jetta nameplate dates to 1979, a compact sedan that has been Volkswagen's U.S. bestseller almost every year since.

Along with the Golf hatchback (nee: Rabbit), the Jetta made its debut in 1979, as Volkswagen continued efforts to widen its product portfolio and wean itself from total dependence on the Beetle.

Now here's a new Jetta, generation seven, and it will be surprising if the new car doesn't sustain its bestseller status, probably even increasing its current sales volume.

New applies to what we see: redesigned sheetmetal front to rear. But the more significant element of new applies to the foundations. The new skin surrounds Volkswagen's front-drive MQB architecture, the same structure that's supported the hatchback Golf since 2015.

The benefits of this update are higher chassis rigidity, an incremental increase in wheelbase, and a roomier interior, particularly in the rear cabin.

On the other hand, VW has discontinued the multilink rear suspension of the previous generation, employing a beam axle in the new car, undoubtedly a cost-saving measure.

Powertrain elements are familiar. At launch the only engine continues to be a turbocharged 1.4-liter four, rated for 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission choices: a six-speed manual, and an eight-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy ratings with either transmission hit the 40 mpg highway mark:, 30 mpg City, 40 Highway, 34 Combined.

Manual transmissions are increasingly rare, and in the Jetta it's offered only in the base model. The automatic is an option in the base car, standard on higher trim levels.
Full Review

The Jetta nameplate dates to 1979, a compact sedan that has been Volkswagen's U.S. bestseller almost every year since.

Along with the Golf hatchback (nee: Rabbit), the Jetta made its debut in 1979, as Volkswagen continued efforts to widen its product portfolio and wean itself from total dependence on the Beetle.

Now here's a new Jetta, generation seven, and it will be surprising if the new car doesn't sustain its bestseller status, probably even increasing its current sales volume.

New applies to what we see: redesigned sheetmetal front to rear. But the more significant element of new applies to the foundations. The new skin surrounds Volkswagen's front-drive MQB architecture, the same structure that's supported the hatchback Golf since 2015.

The benefits of this update are higher chassis rigidity, an incremental increase in wheelbase, and a roomier interior, particularly in the rear cabin.

On the other hand, VW has discontinued the multilink rear suspension of the previous generation, employing a beam axle in the new car, undoubtedly a cost-saving measure.

Powertrain elements are familiar. At launch the only engine continues to be a turbocharged 1.4-liter four, rated for 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission choices: a six-speed manual, and an eight-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy ratings with either transmission hit the 40 mpg highway mark:, 30 mpg City, 40 Highway, 34 Combined.

Manual transmissions are increasingly rare, and in the Jetta it's offered only in the base model. The automatic is an option in the base car, standard on higher trim levels.
Hide Full Review

Retail Price

$18,645 - $29,545 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 1.4L I-4, 1.8L I-4, 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 28 city / 40 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 5-spd man w/OD, 6-spd auto-shift man w/OD, 6-spd w/OD
Power 150 - 210 hp
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 2,930 - 3,208 lbs
Smart Buy Program is powered by powered by TrueCar®
Autoblog Advertisement