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2021
Volkswagen Jetta

Starts at:
$22,895
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New 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • S Manual
    Starts at
    $18,995
    30 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S Auto
    Starts at
    $19,795
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • R-Line Manual
    Starts at
    $22,795
    30 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE Auto
    Starts at
    $22,895
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • R-Line Auto
    Starts at
    $23,595
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SEL Auto
    Starts at
    $25,745
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SEL Premium Auto
    Starts at
    $28,045
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Notable features

Five-seat compact sedan
Turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine standard
Manual or automatic transmission
Performance-oriented GLI version available

The good & the bad

The good

Comfortable, quiet ride
Roomy interior, trunk
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
Automatic emergency braking available

The bad

Interior quality falls off in rear seat
Steering needs more feel
Interior design not as upscale as some rivals

Expert 2021 Volkswagen Jetta review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a front-wheel-drive compact sedan that seats five and was completely redesigned for 2019. All Jetta trim levels are powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.

The performance-oriented Jetta GLI comes with a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. GLI competitors include the Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.  

What’s New on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

SEL and higher trim levels get an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as multiphone pairing. 

What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • 16-inch aluminum wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity

Available features include: 

  • 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Simulated or real leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Digital instrument panel
  • Navigation
  • Wireless device charging
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2019 redesign brought a Jetta that was improved in many ways, but arguably at a loss of some of the steering feel and sporty driving manners of the previous version. Driving enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that a manual transmission is still available as well as the sporty GLI version.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a front-wheel-drive compact sedan that seats five and was completely redesigned for 2019. All Jetta trim levels are powered by a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.

The performance-oriented Jetta GLI comes with a 228-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. GLI competitors include the Honda Civic Si and Subaru WRX.  

What’s New on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

SEL and higher trim levels get an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as well as multiphone pairing. 

What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • 16-inch aluminum wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity

Available features include: 

  • 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Simulated or real leather upholstery
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Digital instrument panel
  • Navigation
  • Wireless device charging
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Reverse automatic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2019 redesign brought a Jetta that was improved in many ways, but arguably at a loss of some of the steering feel and sporty driving manners of the previous version. Driving enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that a manual transmission is still available as well as the sporty GLI version.

Available cars near you

Volkswagen incentives for 43272

  • Automobility discount
    $1,000 Volkswagen US Driver Access Program
    Best cash offer on Volkswagen Jetta 2021 1.4T R-Line Sedan
    See details
    Expires 01/05/2026

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.1%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
13.1%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 20,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    Starts at
    $18,995
    30 City / 41 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2024
    Volkswagen Jetta GLI
    Starts at
    $28,085
    24 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    5.0
    Volkswagen Jetta
    Starts at
    $18,895
    30 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.8
    Honda Civic
    Starts at
    $20,000
    25 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.2
    Nissan Sentra
    Starts at
    $19,950
    29 City / 39 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.4
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • David Kim was excellent.

    David Kim was excellent. I got a 2021 Jetta SEL Premium. The car is immaculate, it looks brand new,the inside looks like it's never been touched.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I have owned a 2021 Jetta R-Line with the cold weather

    I have owned a 2021 Jetta R-Line with the cold weather package for over a year and a half now. I bought it with 7,500 miles on it and now I’m up to about 30,000, so I have driven it extensively. Over the course of my ownership, I have dealt with burning oil way more than any other car I’ve owned. I change my oil every 5,000 miles to try to combat this, but it still happens. There have been many trips to the dealer for check engine lights, some requiring more extensive repairs. It’s not a particularly fun car to drive, but that’s not really the point of the Jetta. It gets you from point A to B somewhat reliably. It gets great gas mileage, I’ve averaged around 45-50 mpg on the thruways and around 34 mpg on surface roads. The interior is nice, the white leather gives it a little pop. The seats are good, but not excellent for long road trips. Seat heating and steering wheel heat is excellent. The infotainment system is good enough, maybe a little smaller screen than other cars in its class. The speakers are not great, very flat and not very loud with almost zero bass. All in all, I think you’d be better off buying a Honda, they get great gas mileage and will get you from point A to B more reliably. Personally, I’m getting tired of the trips to the dealer.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very good car for me

    I have owned my 2021 VW Jetta for close to two years. I have very little negative things to say about the car. The car does have auto start-stop when stopped for red lights and other lengthy stops. This car handles well. It gets on highways quickly. I have recorded gas on long trips 42 mpg. I get 32mpg around town. The Jetta looks nice. I have the gray color with black interior. It’s not like the BMW335 I owned but it is a good car for me. Currently over 36k miles with no issues. I take it in ever 10,000 miles for a check up and oil changes.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Death Trap

    To start with, this car has great exterior and interior design with quite pleasing aesthetics. It's fairly comfortable to drive in terms of smoothness of ride and handling. Gas mileage is fairly good for this size car as well. The huge issue with this model is that it has an auto on off feature which is built in, cannot be removed and must be turned off each time you start the car. What this feature does is shut off the engine if you stop or press on the break and stay nearly stopped for too long or in some cases only a few seconds. This feature cannot be removed and as I said must be turned off each time you start the engine or you are very likely to die. The problem is, while saving gas is great the engine is very slow to kick back into gear again after it's shut off and it can be very inconvenient to drive when you are at a stoplight and it decides that it won't turn on again so you have to fully stop the vehicle put it back into Park shut off the ignition then start it again. As I mentioned previously the engine takes a little while to kick in before it will go at speed after turning itself on again when it does work. So let's say for example you are taking a left in front of some oncoming traffic that is a good distance away but the engine decided to shut itself off while you were waiting and when you started going again it slowly creeps itself on and even if you completely floor the gas you won't be moving more than a few steps per hour for at least 10 seconds. Now let's assume that oncoming traffic is an 18-wheeler who's been driving all night and isn't really paying much attention and from his distance thinks you will probably be out of the way so he doesn't even bother to slow down. You are now going to die, there is no question you will be killed and it is because of this feature. This has happened to me more than once and I thankfully had oncoming drivers who were paying attention and stopped their cars so that I didn't die, but as I said the engine takes a very long time to get into gear and you will not be moving quickly. From a cold start to 60 flooring the gas you will take a good 60 to 90 seconds before you can get to 60 mph, as an example but mostly it has to do with the auto on off feature which is absolutely horrendous and a horrible safety flaw. Under no circumstances should you buy this vehicle if you value your own life or the lives of your passengers.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    16 people out of 33 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice car but not perfect

    I bought a 21 SEL Premium with 5k miles on it. Has fully digital dashboard display which is awesome because it's fully customizable, and you can even use the entire screen to display a map which shows local businesses as you drive near them. This vehicle also has Beats by Dre which I find terribly disappointing. My 2012 Toyota Camry had a JBL sound system which was 3 times better than this system. It also (at times) creates a bass thump when I make a call while listening to the radio which is irritating. The other issue that has me bummed was the cruise control system would fail half the time. I just got it fixed yesterday but time will tell as I've only engaged it once since dealership fixed it. The cabin feels very comfortable and is quiet on the road. The lane departure assist and assisted cruise control are impressive features that most will appreciate. Steering wheel controls are also nice features.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    5 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nothing But Problems

    Always in shop Too many problems Leaving VW for EVER SONIC DEALERSHIP PURPOSELY DAMAGED CAR IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT. Never buying another vw. Lost a 40yr loyal customer.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    7 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • FABULOUS AUTOMOBILE dependable, great features

    I have owned 2 VW Jetta's both FANTASTIC dependable automobiles. The 2021 Jetta is such a pleasure to drive with its roomy interior and superb handling. It's fabulous gas milage of 40 highway/ 30 mpg city driving, the 1.4 L Turbo charged engine makes it a peppy car. The lane change assist on the side mirrors is quite a plus. It's a beautiful automobile inside and out. The full color touch screen has Blue tooth, Android Auto, Apple Car Play even a USB port. Has a great back-up camera, anti-lock brakes, multi-control steering wheel, keyless entry just to name a few of the cars features. What more could you want in a car? I have NEVER had a issue with either of my Jetta's. You will look forward to driving this automobile. Factory warranty because its such a well built automobile. It was very affordable for such a great car with features normally found on much more expensive automobiles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • So deadly, So sad, so disappointing.

    There are too many issues to list. The worst part is even though I have multiple videos for proof of all issues including the ebrake that releases when the car is off, allowing the car to roll into other parked vehicles ( happened 27times, 3 on video at a casino) everytime I have it looked at, the vw mechanics say " can't duplicate concern " so in the eyes of vw there's nothing wrong . When this car inevitably kills someone, like when it's parked at a grocery store and it unexpectedly rolls over a child. I hope the parents sue vw and end up with millions. I have posted reviews, dealt with vw group of America, dealt with multiple dealerships, even driving 6 hrs from home for one, no one cares about the safety of my family and innocent community members. Vw would not buy my car back. Vw you have truly gone to crap. I have owned 16 vw jetts, and I have loved everyone, except this brand new with 3 miles on piece of crap. Older vw, get it. New ones, don't waste your money or time. Because vw doesn't actually care about its consumers. From the 4 hour hold times every single time I try to contact vw of America to the uncapable mechanics working on these cars. Vw is now in my book considered crap. Also when driving I have multiple sensors giving me warnings, then vw says nothings wrong. The front crash assist likes to slam on the brakes when going 60-70mph on highway, when there is no cars or items anywhere. If this car does not kill me, it will kill someone else. Thank you vw, I am now paying for a crap car that's deadly to drive, and paying for the removal of my beloved vw tattoo. Words can't describe the level of disappointment I feel after buying my very first "off the showroom floor, brand new jetta I worked for years to buy" And nope can't get them on a lemon law, because the vw mechanics say there's nothing wrong, even when the car rolled out of park on camera at Burdick vw in cicero ny. They instead told me that their service manager left the ebrake off that's why it rolled. Lies . They are sad and pathetic. Have some courtesy for the lives that are in danger due to this cars many many failures.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    8 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Amazing car

    I am very happy with my purchase! Hard to find a sedan with a manual transmission that still has all the bells and whistles these days.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Car

    I bought a 2021 Jetta R Line a month ago. It’s quiet on the highway, has plenty of pep around town and gets great gas mileage. It has the cold weather package and auto dimming mirror. Black. Don’t know why it’s not rated higher by some publications. It is much nicer to drive than my old Honda Accord.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    16 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love It

    I love my Jetta, it suits me really well and it's also nice to look at, both inside and out. Great features that come standard with the car while still being really affordable, my expectations are now extremely high for any future cars. Happy I chose VW!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love it!

    What’s not to love?! My new car is sleek & fast! I get 39 mpg which is amazing! Love my new car! I highly recommend is you want a sporty car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is available in 5 trim levels:

  • R-Line (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SEL (1 style)
  • SEL Premium (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offers up to 30 MPG in city driving and 41 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Volkswagen Jetta owners.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. 85.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 27 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.3

Volkswagen Jetta history

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