It’s Back! Full Volkswagen Jetta Line Returns for 2024 Priced From $22,660

The Volkswagen Jetta struggled through some lean years during the pandemic, with the GLI only being offered here in a single trim for the 2022 and 2023 model years. But with the supply chain once again open and manufacturing mostly back up to speed, the full lineup of Jettas returns to the U.S. for 2024 with the S, Sport, SE, SEL, GLI 40th Anniversary Edition and GLI Autobahn.

Related: 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Celebrates 40 Years With Anniversary Edition

What’s New

For 2024, VW’s IQ.Drive safety suite is standard across the Jetta line for those variants equipped with an automatic transmission. That means most Jettas feature forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, blind spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist and lane-centering steering. Tying all of these features together gives the Jetta Travel Assist, a hands-free semi-autonomous driving system. Jettas with automatics also get Emergency Assist, which will activate if the driver stops making steering inputs. If the driver doesn’t respond to audio and visual alerts and a series of abrupt brake applications, the Jetta will activate its hazard flashers and come to a stop in its own lane.

For 2024, the S trim level now features a steering wheel trimmed in synthetic leather, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Sport now comes with heated front seats and a space-saving spare tire, and the GLI Autobahn variant gets a heated steering wheel.

Powertrain Specs and MPG

The 2024 Jetta is powered by a 158-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 184 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Jetta S and Sport, and an eight-speed automatic is optional on the S and Sport and standard on the SE and SEL. The S trim level gets an EPA-estimated 29/42/34 mpg city/highway/combined with the manual and 30/41/34 mpg with the automatic; the Sport, SE and SEL are rated at 29/40/33 mpg.

A 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 258 pounds-feet of torque motivates the GLI. Transmission choices for the GLI are a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the six-speed, the Jetta is EPA-rated for 24/35/28 mpg; VW says the automatic stretches those figures to 26/36/30 mpg (the EPA has not yet released official figures).

Regardless of variant, all 2024 Jettas are front-wheel drive.

Availability and Pricing

The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta and GLI are on sale now. Full pricing is as follows (includes $1,225 destination charge):

• S: $22,660
• Sport: $23,810
• SE: $26,100
• SEL: $30,050
• 40th Anniversary Edition: $29,310
• GLI Autobahn: $33,010

Trim Levels

With its low starting price, the Jetta S is predictably basic. It rides on 16-inch wheels and features LED exterior lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Inside, you’ll find cloth seats, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, four speakers and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moving up to the Sport adds 17-inch wheels, a black grille and exterior trim, heated front seats and Volkswagen’s brake-based limited-slip differential.

In addition to the automatic transmission, standard equipment on the SE includes keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The SEL piles on luxury features like a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats and heated rears, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a larger and customizable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless phone charging, a nine-speaker BeatsAudio sound system and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Thoroughly reworked from the standard Jetta, the GLI sits 0.6 inch lower than other Jettas on a dedicated sport suspension. It boasts larger brakes tucked inside 18-inch wheels, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, a unique grille and bumpers, and red exterior accents.

The 40th Anniversary Edition honors the GLI’s first appearance in the U.S.; only 1,984 will be made and all will have the manual transmission. This variant picks up in the middle of the Jetta pack, with keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and ambient lighting, as well as the upgraded instrument cluster and infotainment system sans the BeatsAudio system.

Blending together GLI performance and the SEL’s luxury content, the GLI Autobahn features a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, power driver’s seat, ventilated front seat, and the nine-speaker BeatsAudio system.

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