2021
Volkswagen Jetta

Starts at:
$25,745
Shop options
New 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 15606
Change location See all listings

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 15606

  • 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
    4.3
    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
    4.5
    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

4.3 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

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
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

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

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Volkswagen dealers near you

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. 84.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.3

Volkswagen Jetta history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare