S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 6M)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
GLI Autobahn 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
Overall Rating
“BETTA GETTA JETTA” - These are the 1st words that you’ll see if you manage to stumble upon the New 2020 Jetta on Volkswagen USA’s webpage
“BETTA GETTA JETTA” - These are the 1st words that you’ll see if you manage to stumble upon the new 2020 Jetta on Volkswagen USA’s webpage. Well, with the new 7th Gen model being launched last year, the New Jetta does have a lot going for itself and hence the Catchphrase. The Jetta is also one of the longest-running nameplates in the business and has been around for over 40 years now.
The R-Line trim of the 2020 Jetta not only feels the sportiest of the entire Jetta Range but comes with some exclusive features as well. If we were to pick one of the lot, the R-Line will be where our Shillings will go to.
SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl 8A)
GLI S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 7A)
R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
GLI S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
S 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
“BETTA GETTA JETTA” - These are the 1st words that you’ll see if you manage to stumble upon the New 2020 Jetta on Volkswagen USA’s webpage
“BETTA GETTA JETTA” - These are the 1st words that you’ll see if you manage to stumble upon the new 2020 Jetta on Volkswagen USA’s webpage. Well, with the new 7th Gen model being launched last year, the New Jetta does have a lot going for itself and hence the Catchphrase. The Jetta is also one of the longest-running nameplates in the business and has been around for over 40 years now.
After getting a thorough redesign in 2019, VW has decided to not overhaul the 2020 iteration of the Jetta. However, having said that, VW has made some changes to the trim lineup. The Cold Weather Package is now available as an option on the SE and the SE R-Line trims, while it’s standard on SEL and above. Wireless Charging makes its way to the SEL and the SEL premium trims and you also get an updated Car-Net Telematics system.
Trims | S | SE | SE R-Line | SEL | SEL Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (Manual) | $18,895 | - | $22,695 | - | - |
MSRP (Automatic) | $19,695 | $22,645 | $23,495 | $25,495 | $27,945 |
Key Features | Power Operated Side Mirrors | Adds to the Features from the ‘S’ Trim | Adds/Upgrades features from ‘SE’ | Adds/Upgrades features from ‘R-Line’ | Adds/Upgrades features from ‘SEL’ |
Automatic LED Headlights with LED DRL’s | Leather-wrapped steering and Seats | Black Grill Accents, Side Mirrors, Rear Sport Valance | Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers with Heated Washer Nozzles, Wiper Park | Side Mirrors with Memory Function | |
LED Tail Lights | Start-Stop System | Black Headliner | VW Digital Cockpit | VW Car-Net Security | |
16” Rama Alloy Wheels | Keyless Access with Push Button Start | 17” Trenton Alloy Wheels | 17” Aluminum Alloy wheels | Ventilated Front Seats | |
Cruise Control | Dual Zone Climate Control | XDS Cross Differential | Beats Audio System | Sport Bolstered Comfort Seats | |
Multi-Function Steering wheel | Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert | Fog Lamps with low-speed Corner Illumination Feature | Auto-Dimming Inside Rear View Mirror | Front Seats with adjustable lumbar support | |
6 Way Manually Adjustable Driver’s Seat | Heated Front Seats | Center Arm Rest on the Rear Seats | Heated Steering Wheel, Rear Seats | 6-way power adjust driver seat with Memory | |
VW Car-Net App-Connect | Power Sliding Panoramic Sunroof | R-Line Badging on Front Grill | High Beam Assist and Remote Start | Front Collision Warning | |
USB Port with Bluetooth for Audio Streaming | 10 Color Customizable Interior Lighting | 1 Front USB and 1 USB Charging port | |||
6.5” Touchscreen Infotainment System with Rear View Camera |
8” Touchscreen System with Voice Control and Proximity Sensor | ||||
60/40 split-folding Rear Seat |
Which trim is the best buy?
The R-Line trim of the 2020 Jetta, not only feels the sportiest of the entire range but comes with some cool features as well. Because of all this exclusivity and list of features, we would recommend this R-Line trim.
The engine in the VW Jetta is one of the most “Lively” in the class. Response from the Turbocharged 1.4L 147hp engine is crisp and precise and is probably one of the best in class. The massive 184lbs-ft of Torque also adds to the driving experience and makes the Engine feel at ease, most of the time.
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta gains more Horsepower than its previous generation and also improves overall efficiency. One of the best bits about the engine is the fact that the Jetta’s engine can run on regular unleaded gasoline, unlike its competitors, which can only run on premium fuel.
Models |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan* |
Honda Civic LX Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan* |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$19,695 (A/T) |
$19,600 |
$20,550 |
$20,035 |
$18,985 |
Engine |
1.4L Turbo Inline-4 |
1.8 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
CVT |
CVT |
6-Speed Auto |
6-Speed Automatic |
Power |
147hp@5000rpm |
132hp@6,000rpm |
158hp@6,500rpm |
155hp@6,000rpm |
147hp@6,200rpm |
Torque |
184lb-ft@1,400rpm |
128lb-ft@4,400 |
138lb-ft@4,200rpm |
150lb-ft@4,000rpm |
132lb-ft@4,500rpm |
* Used for MY 2019 for reference purposes.
The Turbocharged Motor in the VW delivers the maximum torque in this comparison and the 8-speed Automatic Transmission adds to the European Driving Experience that the VW is known for. There is a Manual Transmission on offer in the VW as well in the base variant for people, who want a more Connected Driving Experience with the Jetta. The transmission, in general, is pretty decent on shifts and usually shifts at around 4,000rpm. The Manual is redlined at 6,400rpm while the Automatic Variant redlines at around 6,000rpm.
Given the turbocharged motor inside the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, the acceleration timings of the Jetta ranks among the best in class. With German refinement and available power in hand, the Jetta turns out to be a good daily driver and making overtaking maneuvers when in the right gear.
Models |
Volkswagen Jetta |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan* |
Honda Civic LX Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan* |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
7.7 sec |
9.4 sec |
8.2 sec |
8.0 sec |
8.3 sec |
Quarter Mile |
16.0 sec |
17.2 sec |
16.3 sec |
16.2 sec |
16.4 sec |
Top Speed | N/A | 112 MPH | 120 MPH | 131 MPH | 116 MPH |
Engine |
1.4L Turbo Inline-4 |
1.8 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
2.0 L inline-4 |
The Turbocharger in the Jetta also gives it an advantage in terms of the emissions as the exhaust gases are well utilized by the turbocharger, to generate less-polluting exhaust gases.
Buyers who would want to buy the 2020 Jetta, would expect a Typical European ride out of the Jetta. In reality, though, the Jetta isn’t exactly on the same levels. The Suspension setup on the Jetta is less sophisticated than what the rivals have to offer. The Jetta tends to bounce over speed humps more than you would expect it to. The Ride isn’t unsettling in any way but it’s just that the German Flair that one expects from the Jetta is lacking.
The MQB platform though has significantly changed the Way the Jetta handles. The handling is tilted towards the Sportier side and the Low profile Tires add to the drama of driving the Jetta. The Steering is Lightweight and is quick to respond to inputs. As with the Braking, the Jetta handles the best while being driven around the city at 40MPH. However, take the Jetta down a motorway and you’ll find the need for a better tune of suspension for handling the additional speed or composure. The R-Line trim comes the closest here in offering a far better and composed ride, courtesy of a better suspension and handling package.
With an All-New generation of any sedan, you’d expect the Sedan to have improved on all aspects. Sadly, that’s not the case with the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The Braking performance is decent while driving around the Cities or near School Zones. However, as you climb up the speed ladder and suddenly have to encounter a sudden braking situation, the brakes will slightly let you down. The Pedal feel is decent but a bit more byte and feedback from them would have been a big welcome.
Models |
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan* |
Honda Civic LX Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan* |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
11.5" |
10.8" |
10.2" |
10.7" |
10.3" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
10.8" |
9.1" |
9.8" |
9.5" |
9.7" |
Curb Weight |
2959 lbs |
2840 lbs |
2742 lbs |
2899 lbs |
2767 lbs |
70-0 MPH |
191 ft |
183 ft |
180 ft |
179 ft |
182 ft |
The Jetta takes the highest distance to come to a halt form 70MPH by a big margin as compared to the competitors. The ESP and Traction Control do offer confidence and reduces the wobbliness of the Car when braking hard. However, rivals like the Mazda 3, offers a better level of braking performance and feel overall.
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta’s turbocharger is not only good on performance but good on efficiency as well. It has one of the best MPG figures in the segment and the efficient gearing, allows the VW to squeeze out the maximum efficiency from the 1.4L Motor. Combine the superb MPG figures of the Jetta with its 13.2-gallon fuel tank and you have a minimum range of nearly 400 miles. That’s Insane!
Models |
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
30 |
28 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
MPG (Highway) |
39 |
36 |
36 |
35 |
36 |
MPG (Combined) |
34 |
32 |
29 |
30 |
29 |
Fuel Capacity |
13.2 gallons |
13.2 gallons |
12.39 gallons |
13.2 gallons |
14 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
396/528/448 miles |
370/475/422 miles |
310/446/359 miles |
343/462/396 miles |
364/504/406 miles |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
5.2 |
9.8 |
8.4 |
11.2 |
10.2 |
Talking of the rivals of the Jetta and you will find the ultra frugal Toyota, coming the closest to the VW, in terms of MPG figures. All the others in this category have similar MPG figures but it’s the Elantra that shines from the rest, courtesy of its bigger fuel tank.
One of the reasons why the MQB platform of the VW group has become famous is the Increase in interior Space. The MQB in the VW Jetta has created a similar impact in the 7th Gen Jetta as well. The Steering Pedals have been well-positioned while the Steering is in the right position.
The Interior layout is typical German in Build. Customers won’t see many Inconsistencies or Panel gaps in the interiors of the Jetta and will be thoroughly impressed by the quality of materials used. The Seats have been given better bolstering and cushioning than the previous-gen car and have been made more ergonomic.
Models |
VW Jetta Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.5/55.9/41.1 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
39.3/57.0/37.1 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
38.8/56.2/42.3 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.2/54/37.4 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.6/54.4/35.8 |
37.3/55.0/35.7 |
Passengers in the Front seat will enjoy the Space liberated via the use of the MQB platform in the Jetta. The headroom is decent for most passengers while the Shoulder room and Legroom will be something, the customers won’t complain much about. Similar Story exists for the Rear as well wherein, customers will get oodles of Space to comfortably rest their Bodies while on long drives.
The Expanded Interior Storage of the 2020 Jetta has caused a minuscule reduction in the Cargo Space of the Jetta. This is in no way can be termed small and is still comparable and somewhat better to what most rivals offer.
Models |
VW Jetta |
Honda Civic |
Mazda 3 |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
14.1 cu.ft. |
15.2 cu.ft. |
12.4 cu.ft. |
13.0 cu.ft. |
14.4 cu.ft. |
The Honda Civic offers the Best Cargo space due to its Compact Interiors however, the Jetta is not behind as it offers 14.1 cu ft. of Space. This coupled with Increased Cubby Holes and Storage compartments in the Cabin makes the Jetta, a very practical sedan.
Volkswagen has ensured that the infotainment system of the Jetta remains easy-to-use and understand. The infotainment system is loaded with all the modern bells and whistles that you'd expect from a sedan of this category. The interface as discussed is easy to use and understand but we would have appreciated a slightly slicker response from the unit. But that's just nit-picking. The other standout features of the infotainment includes the following few features
Like the infotainment, the Jetta's interiors come loaded to the hilt with a plethora of features on the inside. Some of the most noteworthy convenience features include the following
Volkswagens of the past have always been criticized for their Boring and Dull Exteriors and Styling. With the 7th Generation of the Jetta, VW has tried to change this reputation of theirs by incorporating better design and character.
The Design is not offensive or aggressive unlike the competition but tends to stay Nonoffensive. The Looks may still be conservative but will attract more attention than the previous generation model There are Sharp lines across the bonnet of the Sedan that offers some Flair to the otherwise “Subtle” front. The Standard LED Headlamps do tend to grab the attention of On Lookers but Young Buyers may not feel the same.
The 7th Gen Jetta has changed heavily in terms of Weights and Dimensions, after the incorporation of the MQB platform. It has grown considerably bigger over its previous generation avatar owing to the same fact. The Grill has grown bigger than before, with a more prominent VW Logo in the front.
The Wheelbase has grown to 105.7 Inch while the overall length has grown to 185.1 Inch. This overall increase in Length has liberated more space in the interiors however, the Cargo Space has reduced by 2 Cubic Feet to 14.
Model |
VW Jetta |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
2767 lbs |
2840 lbs |
2724 lbs |
2899 lbs |
2844 lbs |
Length |
185.1" |
183.1" |
182.3" |
180.3" |
181.9" |
Width |
70.8" |
69.9" |
70.8" |
70.7" |
70.9" |
Height |
57.4" |
57.3" |
55.7" |
57.3" |
56.5" |
Ground Clearance |
5.6" |
6.7" |
6.3" |
6.1" |
5.3" |
Wheelbase |
105.7" |
106.3" |
106.3" |
106.3" |
106.3" |
The Jetta is now the Longest Sedan in this Comparison courtesy of the MQB platform. The Tall Height of the Jetta allows Tall passengers to be accommodated comfortably in the Cabin. One downside to the new design, however, is the low ground clearance, which means you will have to be a little bit careful while going over speed bumps.
With the massive change in 2019, Volkswagen introduced a plethora of updates on the inside of the Jetta. The same has been carried forward for 2019 as well. Here are the most notable features on the outside of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
The VW Jetta has been one of the safest cars in the segment. It earned a Top Safety Pick in the IIHS Rating for 2019, which is a testimony to VW’s preference for the Safety of its Cars. The 2020 car remains mostly unchanged from 2019 Version and hence, we expect it to have similar Safety ratings.
The 2020 VW Jetta tested by the IIHS nor the NHTSA up till now but we will update you with the same once we have the final results.
The Honda has been the King of the Hill of the compact sedan segment for a variety of reasons. The Civic sedan offers unmatched reliability, cavernous interiors, and cargo space and an exciting drive. In terms of the resale value, you will find the Civic rank high on that list as well. The Civic handles better than the German and feels a bit more composed albeit underpowered than the Honda as well.
The VW, on the other hand, offers Unmatched Build Quality, something that even the Japanese have to match. The VW offers features like LED headlamps and Tail Lights as standard, even in the base variant which is a feature unheard of in this segment. Most importantly, the VW is cheaper than the Honda by $1,000 which makes it a good value.
The Mazda Mazda3 has been the top pick among the buyers in the compact sedan segment for its amazing ride and handling characteristics. The Mazda has great sporting credentials and it instigates enthusiastic driving in the driver. The Mazda, however, is yet to get a 2020 edition and for now, it’s starting to feel dated.
The VW, on the other hand, is a fresher design, higher cargo capacity, and superb build quality to help its cause. The VW is also the cheaper among the 2 and has the edge in terms of features offered in the various trims as well.
The Toyota Corolla has been the most selling car in the compact sedan segment for a while now. People have loved the Corolla’s reliability, practicality, low cost of maintenance and economy. The 2020 Corolla, addresses it in a lot of ways but then again, people who want a corolla, will buy it in any case.
As of now, despite being cheaper than the VW, the Corolla doesn’t offer the Driving excitement or enthusiasm of the Jetta. It also doesn’t feel as well built as the Jetta and doesn’t feel as consistent in design as the VW. The VW also has the best Bumper to Bumper warranty in America and the Corolla also doesn’t match the Jetta in terms of features offered.
With the 7th Generation of the Jetta and the added features in 2020, VW has reignited the fire in the slowly dying compact sedan segment. The Jetta offers the best bumper to bumper warranty in America and with its German build, we hardly expect any flaws or reliability issues from the same as well. Sure, there are powerful or sportier or better handling cars than the Jetta in the segment. But, people who are bored of seeing a lot of Japanese or American cars on the roads and want a Handsome looking sedan with a European flair and with features that match/outruns the rivals, they should BETTA GETTA JETTA.