2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$18,999 to $26,065

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(10 reviews)
2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Preview summaryImage

Perhaps it’s the economy, or maybe Volkswagen simply decided the time is once again right, but it’s a fact that VW’s Jetta SportWagen is back for 2009. This five-passenger, four-door wagon... and it is a station wagon in the true sense of the word, even VW admits that... brings back 67 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seats folded and a nimbleness that is rarely found even in the most European of low-to-mid-priced Euro-sedans. Obviously sharing the same chassis and front end as the Jetta sedan, this precocious family wagon comes in four trim levels, the base S, the midlevel SE, the sporty TDI, and the top-shelf SEL. No doubt due to its European heritage, the reprised SportWagen (still known as the Golf Estate wagon in Europe) may be a bit harsh as far as ride comfort goes, especially with the larger available wheel sizes. Many owners, however, might be willing to live with a bump or two for the sheer exhilaration of experiencing this compact wagon’s handling capabilities. And the TDI’s turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder engine is claimed by Volkswagen to be the cleanest diesel available, with all three powerplants eligible for Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle status in states with California emissions standards. One drawback in this otherwise well-wrought wagon, however, is the unavailability of all-wheel drive (AWD). Alas, styling, never a highpoint with this mid-priced compact wagon, remains hit-or-miss with most tire kickers.

In any case, serious competition for the 2009 SportWagen comes in the form of the Audi A3 TDI, the Subaru Outback, and Toyota’s Venza. All are solid compact wagons, but all are also a tad pricier than VW’s entry, which starts at less than $20,000.

A choice of three engines is offered with the ‘09 SportWagen. Said choices begin with the standard 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine that’s standard in the S and SE versions. Combined with the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the five-banger puts out 177 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 21/30 mpg with the stick shift and 20/29 with the shiftable automatic.

The next engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine that’s standard in the SEL trim. Mated with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the highly touted optional 6-speed, dual-clutch DSG Tiptronic auto-manual transmission, this puppy pounds out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated at 21/31 with the 6-speed manual transmission or 22/29 with the 6-speed DSG.

The final choice is a 140-hp, 2.0-liter I4 turbodiesel powerplant that comes only in the TDI trim level. When paired with either the standard 6-speed manual or the available 6-speed DSG, the potent turbodiesel churns out 236 lb-ft of torque at an amazing 31/41 with the manual or 29/40 with the DSG transmission.

Appearance features for the 2009 SportWagen S trim include 16-inch steel wheels and a roof rack. Inside, this comfy base trim boasts cloth upholstery, heated, power-adjustable front seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, power door locks, windows and heated outside mirrors complementing remote keyless entry. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel, meantime, is also standard in the S trim, as are cruise control, air conditioning, front and rear floormats and an MP3-capable single-CD player with eight speakers. The SE steps up with 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a rear center armrest with storage, while the TDI chips in 16-inch Ditto 10 alloy wheels and a multifunction trip computer. The top-shelf SEL, meantime, throws 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a universal remote garage door opener, memory for driver's settings, a 6-CD changer with a couple of extra speakers, satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, brake handle and shift knob.

Options for the ’09 SportWagen run the gamut from 17-chrome wheels and the very sharp 18-inch black Karthoum wheels to an iPod adapter and power tilt-and-slide sunroof in all trims. A touchscreen DVD navigation system and USB connection are available to the SE and higher trim levels.

Safety features in the ’09 SportWagen trims include such basics as four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction control and, standard for 2009, stability control. Additionally, standard front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, daytime running lights and a remote antitheft alarm are also standard across the lineup. The SEL also boasts standard turn-signal-integrated mirrors, while rear side airbags are available for all trims.

A noisy cabin, the lack of available AWD, issues with convoluted controls, and the rather timid and raucous 2.5-liter I5 engine lead the list of owner gripes with the ’09 SportWagen. On the positive side, a roomy cabin, scads of cargo space, surprisingly nimble handling, and both the 6-speed DSG and silky 6-speed manual transmissions come in for some well-deserved owner kudos.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

Write a review
User rating:
by Mike T
Jul 16, 2021
Need a little work but it was the best price aroundJul 16, 2021
by Alex A
Apr 16, 2015
This car is my first german car! I always stuck with japanese cars for their reliability, but I heard about the amazing TDI technology and decided to try! First of all the car is so much fun to drive! It has power, road grip like nothing else! 50+ mpg on highway is impressive. and I used to own a prius before - no comparison! It has storage and comfort to be jealous of! Haven't had to fix it yet. so no comment on that yet!Apr 16, 2015
by Alex A
Apr 13, 2015
This is my first German car. I always stuck with Japanese cars for their reliability, until my friend said "I'd rather fix it but drive German". Well, after driving one, I might consider keeping one! Definitely like their TDI technology!Apr 13, 2015

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Pricing

Original MSRP
$18,999 to $26,065
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Door trim: leather · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black · Sunroof: power panoramic

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 115V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (4)