2022 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$20,365 to $28,095

Original MSRP

6.7
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(5 reviews)

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Unintuitive technology

  • All-wheel drive not available

6.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
6/10
Safety
8/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
Photo by Beverly Braga. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta front three quarter view.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is updated with a revised powertrain, upgraded technology, more standard features, and minimalist design tweaks.

Volkswagen’s career sales leader, the Jetta receives a mild but value-minded refresh for the 2022 model year. Although the compact sedan’s lineup has been pared down (farewell, SEL Premium and R-Line), the Jetta’s standard features, technology, and power rating get a welcomed boost.
6/10

The Volkswagen Jetta has been the automaker’s best-selling vehicle for the last three decades. Even with Volkswagen’s overall sales down (because of the pandemic, supply chain issues, warring countries, warring states, a butterfly flapping its wings, etc.), the Jetta holds steady.

Last year, of the automaker’s 101,167 car sales, the Volkswagen Jetta (and Jetta GLI performance version) accounted for more than 61 percent of VW’s 101,167 U.S. sales. Through the first quarter of 2022, that number is up to 70 percent. Of course, Volkswagen’s SUV sales are two-and-a-half times that number but give the Jetta some credit. The little guy outsells the rest of the VW car lineup combined.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Jetta gets a mild makeover that includes an engine update, exterior styling tweaks, improved infotainment, more features, and a new Sport trim. The Jetta Sport replaces the outgoing R-Line model, and the SEL Premium has been dropped from the lineup completely. That means shopping for the regular ol’ Jetta has been simplified to four trims: S, Sport, SE, and SEL. For this review, we’ll be focusing on the Jetta SEL. The more powerful Jetta GLI, which Volkswagen considers a sub-model, is covered separately.

On the outside, the Jetta’s design changes require a few blinks and some rubbing of the eyes to notice. And once you do notice them, you can still unsee them. The exterior updates are that subtle. It’s like standing at baggage claim, trying to differentiate one black suitcase from the other black suitcases. Because isn’t that the Jetta’s overarching design? As bland yet purposeful as a suitcase?

The front fascia, bumper, and grille have been redone. Mostly with more chrome. The grille, for example, now features a chrome frame as well as two horizontal chrome pieces that line up with the standard LED headlights and daytime running before visually directing you toward the centered VW logo. The black grille inserts also have been redesigned as have the lower fascia and foglights. In the rear, the taillight housing remains the same but the LED lighting is now standard. The rear bumper is less squatty and more square. Like the grille, the rear bumper has a full-length chrome feature that extends from deflector to deflector.

More standard chrome appears on the window trim except on the Jetta Sport, which is equipped with a black window surround like the GLI. New wheel designs are offered for each trim level and new metallic colors are added to the seven-shade paint palette. The new-for-2022 hues are Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue.

As hard-pressed as you’d be to call out the year-over-year exterior revisions, the 2022 Jetta does seem to have a more aggressive profile. This is in large part because the lower front fascia resembles an angry Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s smirk and looks like a half-growl from the side. And the 17-inch wheel design and our Jetta SEL test vehicle has some Japanese throwing-star vibes to match.

The Jetta interior receives equally subtle but appealing updates. The standard cloth seats feature a unique new rhombus pattern as well. And all interiors, regardless of upholstery type, have an added premium look thanks to contrast stitching. If opting for leather, you have a new two-tone option in Volcano Brown and black. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on all trim levels except the entry-level Jetta S, but it can be equipped as such with the optional Driver Assistance package.

Lastly, an 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is now standard across the lineup to go along with the already standard 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Though top-of-the-line Jetta SEL receives the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system, the base model doesn’t mean a view from the cheap seats either.

Beverly Braga
Published Jul 26, 2022 by Beverly Braga
Beverly Braga has a multifaceted history in the automotive industry, with experience in journalism, fleet management, and public relations. She is currently a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Michigan. A perennial fan of road trips and exploring, she has traveled to every state in the U.S. except for one: Alaska.

User reviews for 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

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User rating:
by Lilian E
Mar 16, 2024
Overview: The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta impresses with its sleek design, refined interior, and smooth performance on the road. As a daily commuter or weekend adventurer, this sedan offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and practicality. Exterior: The Jetta’s exterior design is both modern and timeless. Its clean lines, bold grille, and stylish LED headlights give it a distinct presence on the road. The aerodynamic shape not only enhances fuel efficiency but also adds to the car’s sporty appeal. Interior: Step inside the Jetta, and you’ll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The materials used throughout the interior feel premium, and the ergonomic layout makes every journey comfortable. Whether running errands or embarking on a road trip, passengers will appreciate the ample legroom and supportive seats. Performance: Behind the wheel, the Jetta delivers a refined driving experience. The responsive handling and smooth ride quality make navigating city streets or cruising on the highway a breeze. The available turbocharged engine provides a satisfying balance of power and efficiency, while the advanced safety features offer added peace of mind on every drive. Technology: The 2022 Jetta is equipped with an array of advanced technology features to enhance convenience and connectivity. The intuitive infotainment system offers seamless smartphone integration, while available driver-assistance features help make every journey safer and more enjoyable. Final Thoughts: In conclusion, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is a standout choice in the compact sedan segment. With its attractive design, comfortable interior, and enjoyable driving dynamics, it’s a versatile option for drivers seeking style and substance in their daily commute. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or a seasoned driver, the Jetta offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and value.!Mar 16, 2024
by Sir K
Jul 27, 2023
Great fuel mileage, Smooth driving, and gives me the conservative look I was looking for.Jul 27, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 18, 2022
Smooth driving. Quiet engine. Easy to drive and shift. Like it has 6 speed. Not too thrilled about the dashboard. Liked the old better where the rpm and speedometer were both visible. Now it’s either or. Also the emergency brake changed to the „ button“ preferred the old fashioned one. Aug 18, 2022

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,365 to $28,095
Price range
$18,350 to $19,495
Average price on CG
$18,350
YoY price change
$19,495 to $18,350

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Amazon Alexa · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.39

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: vehicle location · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

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

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Beats by Dr. Dre premium brand · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.7 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 4 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.23

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MIB3 · Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

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: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)