While so many car companies here in the US seem content to leave sedans in the past, brands like Volkswagen understand the importance and value of a traditional car. The VW lineup has quite a few options for you to choose from; if you are looking for a budget-friendly, compact model with sporty performance and a surprisingly spacious interior, then the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is a fantastic choice. Perhaps best of all, however, is that the Jetta has received a mid-cycle refresh this year that updates the interior and exterior design while adding a more powerful engine than last year’s model.
You might not look for much from the engine in an affordable sedan like this, but even a compact car should be fun to drive with plenty of power in it. The new engine in the updated Jetta is a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 that offers more horsepower than last year’s model and makes the Jetta even more fun than ever before. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission standard, though an 8-speed automatic is available, and the front-wheel drive design with four-wheel anti-lock brakes ensures you remain in control and safe on the road. With the available automatic transmission, it gets an estimated 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway, so you can go a long time without stopping for gas.[b]
The exterior of the 2022 Jetta has been updated with a more refined design that looks fantastic, including three new metallic finishes and trim-specific aluminum-alloy wheels. A new Sport trim features impressive style and 17-inch wheels, along with an XDS Cross Differential System that replaces a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential. Inside, you will find a remarkably spacious interior that gives you a lot more space for passengers and cargo than you probably expect in a compact car. Best of all, with the 2022 update, the Volkswagen Jetta now comes with an 8-inch digital driver display and advanced standard safety features like a blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert.
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Although it is easy to overlook the engine in a compact car like the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, doing so can be a serious mistake. It is true that the engine in this type of sedan is not going to be as powerful as if you are looking at something like a sports car or large truck, but it still matters. No matter what you are driving, the engine dictates the performance of your vehicle and how fun it is when you are behind the wheel, so it is an important thing to consider.
For the 2022 model year update of the Jetta, Volkswagen has replaced the engine from last year’s model with a more impressive and powerful one. There is only one engine available, so you do not have to worry about paying more for great performance; it is a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 158 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Last year’s Jetta featured a 1.4L engine with less power, so this is an impressive upgrade and an overall boost to performance when you are on the road.
One of our favorite things about the updated Jetta is that it still comes with a 6-speed manual transmission standard, which a lot of our customers get excited about. Of course, if you do not like the demands of a manual transmission, then there is an available 8-speed automatic that is quite responsive and a lot of fun to drive. The VW Jetta features front-wheel drive, and while 16-inch wheels come standard, you can choose 17-inch wheels; no matter which wheels you go with, however, they come wrapped in all-season tires.
Many of our customers are interested in a compact car like the Jetta because they want to get the best fuel economy possible. Fortunately, the 2022 Jetta does not disappoint, and you will get fantastic efficiency, though it does change slightly depending on which transmission you choose. The standard manual transmission gets an estimated 29 MPG in the city, 43 MPG on the highway, and 34 MPG combined fuel economy. With the available automatic, you get an estimated 31 MPG in the city, 41 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined.**
There is no denying that the interior of your vehicle is important; most of your time with your car will be spent with you inside of it, after all. Unfortunately, a lot of compact, budget-friendly cars out there are designed with barebones options that leave much to be desired. The good news is that the 2022 Jetta is not one of them, and it features a wonderfully spacious design with great tech options for you to enjoy.
A compact car typically brings to mind small, cramped interiors that leave everyone with their knees in their throats. The VW Jetta is the complete opposite of that and has been designed with a spacious interior that you get to enjoy even while cruising around in your small and modest vehicle. You get seating for five passengers inside the Jetta, with a total of nearly 95 cu.ft. of passenger volume. This includes more than 38 inches of headroom up front, with more than 55 inches of shoulder space and more than 41 inches of legroom. Your rear-seat passengers will still be comfortable as they enjoy more than 37 inches of headroom and legroom.
With its mid-cycle update, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta has a refreshed interior that includes new material and design options. All models include padded leatherette door inserts, while certain trims include sport contrast stitching for an extra visual touch. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is available on all models, though it is standard on higher trims, as is heated functionality for the wheel. Higher trims also include ten-color customizable ambient lighting. New cloth seats are standard, while leatherette and leather seating is available on higher trims to create a comfortable and inviting interior.
Technology has not been overlooked, of course, with a 6.5-inch infotainment display standard and an upgraded third-generation 8-inch infotainment screen available. There are numerous outlets and USB ports for connecting and charging your devices, with wireless charging and wireless app connectivity available for ease of use. The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system is now standard on all Jetta models and includes an 8-inch driver display. With the highest trim, you get an upgraded 10.25-inch fully-configurable cluster screen with numerous customizable options. There is even an available 9-speaker BeatsAudio sound system that includes a subwoofer for an amazing listening experience while you are on the road.
Even if you are someone who really is not all that interested in the specs on a vehicle, you should still at the very least consider its safety features. Nothing is more important than how well your car can help keep you safe on the road. The updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is safer than ever before, with more standard safety systems than last year’s model.
Standard safety features on the Jetta include a comprehensive airbag system with six airbags: front and side airbags up front and side curtain airbags to help protect everyone. Anti-lock braking and electronic stability control are standard, of course, along with a rearview camera to help with visibility when you are backing up. All Jetta models also include an automatic post-collision braking system that applies the brakes for you if a collision is detected to help avoid additional crashes or damage and injuries.
All models come with an intelligent crash response system, which automatically unlocks all doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and switches on hazard lights if a collision occurs. With this year’s update, all Jetta models feature a front assist system that includes forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking to help you avoid front-end crashes. A blind spot monitor is standard on all models, along with a rear traffic alert system that detects objects passing behind you. Available features include a lane assist system, adaptive cruise control, and the Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous driving system that uses multiple safety features together to allow for hands-on assisted driving.