GREEN CHOICE

Volkswagen Jetta

Name: 2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Jetta wins our praise for its impressive fuel economy, effortless acceleration, and straightforward controls.

2023 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Jetta

vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra H...

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2023 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2023 Volkswagen Jetta

$16,700 - $24,675

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Elantra

$16,950 - $26,200

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$16,950 - $26,200

EPA MPG 54 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Hyundai Venue

$16,625 - $17,650

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Forte

$16,600 - $20,125

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Niro

$19,575 - $24,325

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid

$ NA

33 miles

48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Rio

$15,550 - $16,725

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Soul

$17,900 - $20,500

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2023 Kia Stinger

$29,900 - $38,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2023 Mazda 3

$17,175 - $26,350

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2023 Mitsubishi Mirage

$12,625 - $15,500

EPA MPG 39 mpg

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2023 Nissan Kicks

$16,425 - $19,525

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2023 Nissan Sentra

$16,750 - $20,125

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

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2023 Nissan Versa

$13,800 - $17,675

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Subaru Impreza

$17,700 - $23,675

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla

$19,925 - $23,450

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$34,225 - $44,025

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$19,925 - $23,450

EPA MPG 50 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Prius

$24,500 - $30,300

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2023 Toyota Prius Prime

$25,775 - $30,250

39 miles

48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.5-liter 4 turbo (158 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (228 hp)

7-speed sequential
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.