Used 2018 Volkswagen Jetta for sale 

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is available in a total of six trim levels- S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and GLI. The S, Wolfsburg Edition, and the SE trim are available with the base 1.4liter motor. The SE Sport and the SEL are offered with the 1.8liter motor while the top-end GLI trim gets the most powerful 2.0liter motor. Some of the standard features of the sedan include a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split rear seats, a rearview camera, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a backseat pass-through, and a leather-wrapped transmission selector knob among other features.

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Although the 1.8L TSI in Jetta SE sport is exciting, it slaps a huge 4 mpg penalty for just 20 hp more. That's why we will stick with still satisfying but very efficient 1.4L TSI. The SE trim looks sensible to us as it has leatherette upholstery, 6.5-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a power sunroof for just $3000 more than the base Jetta S.

However, if you need excitement, skip the 1.8L engine and go straight for the 2.0L TSI-equipped Jetta GLI. The 210-hp 2.0L TSI delivers almost similar efficiency to the 1.8L TSI but produces 40 hp more power. It's also a blast to drive through curvy roads thanks to its sportier suspension.

The Jetta comes only with a Front-Wheel-Drive drivetrain. The Jetta S, Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, and Jetta SE get a base 1.4L TSI engine delivering 150-hp and 184 pounds-feet of torque. This engine gets a slick-shifting standard 5-speed manual with a light clutch. Also, there is a 6-speed automatic available as an option. Although there are some occasional hiccups at slow speeds, it's otherwise smooth and silky.

The Volkswagen Jetta drives with a German character with precise, well-weighted steering and composed high-speed manners. The three available TSI engines complement the chassis well too. The base 1.4L engine offers excellent efficiency and satisfying drive while the larger 1.8L TSI and 2.0L TSI engines offer more grunt. Chauffeur-driven owners will also appreciate the supple suspension.

Although the 1.8L TSI provides 20-hp more than 1.4L TSI, the 4-mpg fuel efficiency penalty is not justifiable. If you need power, the 210-hp 2.0L TSI has it in abundance (this engine also powers the much more expensive Audi A3). It's mated to a lightning-fast 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. Well, all these powertrains have their own advantages and disadvantages. 

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Acceleration

All three turbocharged engines in the Jetta hesitates in power delivery initially but that quickly vanishes as the turbo spools up. While the base Jetta with the 1.4L TSI engine performs just like other compact sedans here with 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds, the Jetta with 1.8L TSI ups the game.

This lively engine can accelerate the Jetta from 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds - the quickest among the competitors. Then comes the sportiest Jetta - the Jetta GLI with a 210-hp turbocharged Inline-4 1.8L TSI engine. It performs like a sports sedan with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Ride and Handling

The Volkswagen has replaced the earlier twist-beam rear suspension in the Jetta with independent multilink rear suspension resulting in more composed ride quality. This is further aided by cushy 16-inch wheels in 1.4L TSI-equipped Jetta. The steering has a German well-weighted feel giving it a grown-up character against other compact sedans and the long-wheelbase aids high-speed stability.

The 17-inch wheels in the 1.8L TSI Jetta increase ride harshness without improving dynamics at all - another reason to avoid it. Although the Jetta GLI is considerably more expensive, its sports-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and wider stickier tires combined with its strong engine lend it a genuinely sporty character. We say it again - when in need of speed, jump straight to the GLI.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Braking

The Jetta gets 11.3-inch brake rotors in front wheels and 10.0-inch rotors in the rear wheels. The brake pedal feels light and has a long travel. This combined with linear response makes smooth stops an easy affair. The Jetta stops from 60 mph in 123 feet - that's better than average among the cars compared here. The sporty Jetta GLI gets larger brakes to contain the speeds it's capable of.

Yes, the Jetta is a big sedan, with quite a bit of heft on the wheels. Well, the Germans know it better than us, and hence have the sedan equipped with the best quality of brakes. Although the Chevrolet Cruze embarrasses the rivals with class-leading figures despite similar weight and smaller brakes, the Jetta follows very closely. On the other hand, the Japanese rank braking quite low and hence give their vehicles average brakes. 

The 2018 Jetta 1.4 TSI with a manual transmission delivers excellent fuel efficiency even for this efficiency-focused segment - 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Adding an automatic transmission to this engine decreases the highway fuel economy figures by 2 mpg.

The Jetta 1.8 TSI imparts a huge 4 mpg penalty against the 1.4 TSI Jetta just for 20 hp more even with the same automatic transmission. This is why we recommend the 2.0L TSI equipped Jetta GLI. Even with its 40 hp bump in power, it delivers a similar fuel economy to the 1.8 TSI. This impressive efficiency can be attributed to the dual-clutch transmission.

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta's spacious interiors and the biggest trunk in the class may make you believe you are sitting in a midsize sedan. The great outward visibility just adds to the airy feeling. However, it's miserly appointed and there are plenty of hard plastics - the competitors feel decidedly more upscale. Build quality is as solid as expected from a German product though.

The Jetta's interior has one thing in abundance - space. In fact, the Jetta is second only to the Toyota Corolla in terms of rear-seat legroom and the large rear doors make ingress and egress easier (and elegant). That said, the headroom is average in the class. While the base Jetta S comes with basic fabric upholstery, all other Jetta get leatherette draped interiors.

Impressively, heated front seats are optional in base Jetta S and standard on all other trims. However, you will find the interior a bit too conservative. There is not much feel-good factor and the abundance of hard plastics may bother you. The competitors decidedly feel more upscale. The build quality and fit are flawless though.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Cargo Capacity

After the expansive and comfortable rear seats, the cavernous 15.7 cubic feet trunk capacity continues to impress and the low lift height makes loading the luggage convenient. However, like the plain interiors, the trunk lid also lacks cladding.

As you might have guessed, the Jetta has the biggest boot on offer followed by the Civic. This is quite unexpected since the Civic has more coupe-like styling and the rather sloping roof seems to eat up a lot of interior space. Perhaps it is the updated height that has something to do with improved practicality.

2018 Volkswagen Jetta Infotainment System

The infotainment system is mounted lower on the dashboard in Jetta. While the base Jetta S gets 5.0-inch infotainment, the Jetta SE and higher trims get a 6.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. The touchscreen has crisp graphics and offers a quick response. The Jetta SEL and GLI with fender premium audio system cater to the audiophiles.

The Volkswagen Jetta gets an unmistakably German look with clean lines and very conservative styling. This is one of the few compact cars that offer easy and elegant access to the rear seats thanks to the large rear gates. Its understated charm will definitely impress you if you long for those large expensive German saloons. Some standard features on the 2018 Jetta include:

• 5-inch touchscreen system
• 6.4-inch touchscreen (O)
• Bluetooth
• HD Radio
• Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• MirrorLink
• Navigation

Volkswagen is very particular about styling and the new Jetta signifies the same. With a total makeover from the previous generations, the current design dates a couple of years back when the brand decided to impart the new sharp-edged design to this moniker. Regardless of the changes afflicted, the new Jetta is hard to perceive as daring. It has a more sophisticated look and upscale refurbishments on the same. 

For starters, the wraparound grille, which is siamese into the LED headlights (standard on all trims) lends a more aggressive look to the front end and the strong character line extending from the front wheel wells to the LED taillights accentuates the new Jetta's longer (by 1.3 inches) wheelbase. 

Overall length increases only fractionally, so the net effect is to reduce the car's front and rear overhangs, which in turn contributes to a more athletic look, as does the stepper slope of the rear roofline. The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta measures 182.2-inch in length - which's comparable to other compact cars. However, its shortest in-class wheelbase is surprising as the Jetta offers among the best in class rear-seat legroom. At 2939 pounds, the Jetta is also one of the heaviest compact cars.

Safety is quite a defining factor while opting for an affordable German sedan. Though the brand values marginally in terms of reliability, its vehicles are prudently equipped to impart unhampered protection to its occupants. The new Volkswagen Jetta sedan is no exception to this thought. Apart from the standard features that alter the accidental impact, or rather help to avoid them, the Volkswagen Jetta now gets some additional equipment to mitigate the already engraving feel. The standardization of a backup camera throughout the lineup seems like a great start for the same. Besides, the list of available active safety features includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blond-Spot Monitor, Forward Collision Warning, and more.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
• Crash-optimized front end
• Side Curtain Protection head airbags, front, and rear
• Front safety belts, height-adjustable, with pre-tensioners and load limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor points
• Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Volkswagen Jetta vs Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is frequently called the best available compact car and for good reasons. It magically blends terrific fuel economy with an enthusiastic engine. It rides comfortably and offers corner craving dynamics as well. Its interior is attractive and feature-loaded and it's priced competently too. However, the Jetta is more spacious and many appreciate its understated looks at an age well.

Volkswagen Jetta vs Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is the car that defines the compact car segment and has the distinction of best-selling car in the world. The reason is simple - immense practicality, bulletproof reliability, sofa-like rear seats with unbelievable legroom for a compact car, and excellent value for money. It's a perfect point A to B tool.

Volkswagen Jetta vs Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze is one of the cushiest and most refined compact cars available. It also gets plenty of upscale features as standard and there is even a turbo-diesel engine on offer - at a cost. However, the Jetta is decidedly more fun-to-drive and offers exceptionally spacious rear seats. Still, if you need a comfortable and feature-loaded compact car, the Cruze is an excellent choice.

The Volkswagen Jetta has carved a niche for itself among the playful crop of compact cars with its uniquely German understated looks, solid build quality, and composed driving manners. It has precise handling and all three turbocharged TSI engines offer delightfully smooth performance. Most distinctively, the current Jetta offers expansive rear seats and largest in the class trunk. 

However, the Jetta lacks some of the "wow" factors offered by the competition. Although the interior is usable and conveniently laid out, it's too bland with some hard plastics. The same goes for the exterior - it's very conservative. If this simple and functional approach impresses you and if you are okay with buying a Volkswagen product after all the drama and DSG reliability issues, buy one.