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The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has updates at every trim level. What’s the best new feature? What still needs updating? We’re analyzing that and more.
What’s New for the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta?
After being redesigned in the 2019 model, the Volkswagen has been updating the Jetta here and there. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is mostly unchanged, but a closer look at the specs reveals some new features on certain trims, from two-toned alloy wheels to a 6-way driver’s seat. A new infotainment system is available in SEL trims and higher. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless capability is another update. With a handful of minor updates, which model is the best choice? Get the information you need to make that decision by looking at the detailed evaluation below.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta – media.vw.com | Shop 2021 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent fuel economy
Roomy seats for a compact
Smooth ride
Good cabin storage
Boosted power in GLI model
Lots of available safety features
Most safety features aren’t standard
Cabin materials are basic
2021 Jetta Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 14.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Several safety features in Driver Assistance package
- 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Powertrain
A 1.4L engine comes on all 2021 Volkswagen Jetta trims. Making 147 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque, that engine isn’t going to outpower many vehicles. The Jetta does feel quick on city drives, but will start to lose some pep when getting out onto the highway. The base S and sportier R-Line trims both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Other trims have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions are smooth, making them standouts in this powertrain.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI, with two trims of its own, has a 2.0L turbo that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque. Both Jetta GLI trims – the S and Autobahn – are available with manual or automatic transmission. That transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch with paddle shifters. The GLI is definitely the Jetta to choose for some additional power.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel Economy & MPG
All 2021 Volkswagen Jetta trims earn a city/highway fuel rating of 30/40 mpg, whether they are manual or automatic. Those numbers are on the higher end of this vehicle segment. The sportier GLI trims lower a little bit to 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Even as the more performance-oriented option, the GLI gets some good numbers in this category.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
By absorbing bumps, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta rides well. The soft seats and sufficient cushioning also help the ride quality. There’s decent leg and head room all around. The front seat measures 41.1″ in leg room and 38.5″ in head room. Even as a compact, the rear measures 37.4″ in leg room and 37.2″ in head room. The front seats do adjust for height, but don’t have as many lumbar variations until you get into the higher trims. Once into the SE trim or higher, heated and ventilated front seats can be enjoyed. Cloth upholstery is used in the lower trims while leather is reserved for the Jetta SEL Premium. A 2021 Volkswagen Jetta does fit five people, but it would be a little bit crowded on a long road trip if it’s at capacity.
Cargo space isn’t something someone will buy a 2021 Jetta for. Again, for a compact, it’s OK. Owners have 14.1 cu-ft of trunk space. It’s not massive, but is usable. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, so that space increases, but the seats don’t fold completely flat. Beyond the traditional trunk space, there are cubbies and other spaces in the cabin, designed to store small items. Each door has large pockets. There is also a tray space in front of the shifter. The layout of the cabin isn’t groundbreaking, but there’s not a lot of confusing choices either. It’s pretty standard and is actually better off for keeping it simple.
Entertainment & Technology
Some infotainment features are standard on all 2021 Volkswagen Jettas: a 6.5″ touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and two USB ports. A lot of companies offer those features as standard these days, but there are still several that don’t, so that list isn’t bad.
There is additional infotainment available in the higher trims, of course. That includes a larger 8″ touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and satellite radio. Other available features are a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster, navigation, and a Beats Audio unit with eight speakers for the car stereo in higher trims.
There are some other fun and useful technology features throughout the 2021 Jetta, too. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is available. There’s a universal garage door opener. Remote start is offered, as is proximity keyless entry.
Safety Features
Some of the bigger updates in the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta models are in this category. Specifically, the GLI Autobahn is given more active safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams are all now standard on the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn. Rain-sensing windshield wipers, a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring are already standard on GLI trims.
Volkswagen offers a standard rearview camera for the 2021 Jetta. Most everything else costs extra. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and more are all there. You just have to pay for it as part of the $500 Driver Assistance package offered with the Volkswagen Jetta S. Rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights, too. Even though they aren’t automatically available in the base trim, most advanced safety features one could want are available. Jetta trims above the S do have forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Trims & Pricing
Between the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, there are seven trims to choose from. With a range from around $19,000 to $31,000, there’s quite a bit of variety here. While the base trim is basic, there are packages available to increase safety and infotainment. Whether it’s through packages or going with a higher trim, there are a lot of impressive features available.
S – $18,995
Inside, the 2021 Jetta S has cloth upholstery. Outside, you’ll see two-tone 16″ alloy wheels, and LED headlights and taillights. There are some good standard infotainment features, like a WiFi hot spot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a four-speaker stereo. Most of that can be controlled with the 6.5” touchscreen. Under the hood, an automatic transmission is available for approximately an extra $800. An optional driver assist package adds some extra safety to the vehicle.
SE – $22,895
Moving up one trim, the driver of a SE receives a six-way power driver’s seat. Heated front seats, made of V-Tex synthetic, and heated side mirrors are also added to the SE. Forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring standard, starting with the SE. That eight-speed automatic transmission is standard here. An optional weather package will cost a little extra, but adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a remote start.
R-Line – $22,795
With a manual or automatic transmission, the R-Line has similar conveniences as the SE, but it also adds fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17” alloy wheels, and an upgraded differential. That’s in addition to the sportier rear bumper and gloss-black exterior accents that are found on the R-Line.
SEL – $25,745
An 8″ touchscreen can be found in the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL. 10.25″ is dedicated to the digital instrument cluster. Two more USB ports and wireless charging beef up the technology here. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance have also been added. The heated steering wheel and rear seats are built into this trim, too. The SEL also includes satellite radio and an eight-speaker Beats Audio stereo. Finally, driver assist features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights are added to the mix.
GLI S – $26,345
The GLI S has several standard features to increase its athleticism on the road. It has variable-ratio steering, limited slip-differential, and selectable drive modes. It also features 18” alloy wheels, while regular Jetta trims have 16” or 17” wheels. As the GLI base trim, the GLI S has a 6.5” touchscreen, smaller than the GLI Autobahn.
SEL Premium – $28,045
Moving to the top-of-the-line SEL Premium gets an upgraded eight-way power driver’s seat with memory. The upholstery is genuine leather. The alloy wheels are pumped up to 17″. Navigation is included with the Premium, too.
GLI Autobahn – $30,745
In addition to a larger 8” touchscreen, the GLI Autobahn has a couple of additional driver assists, like adaptive cruise control with stop and go and lane-keep assist. Seats are perforated leather. The driver also gets an eight-way power seat with memory. The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn also has an eight-speaker, 400-watt audio system with satellite radio.
Warranties
Volkswagen’s limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles on the 2021 Jetta. A powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles as well. Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles. When compared to other vehicles in the class, the limited warranty is a little above average and the powertrain is a little bit below average.
What we think
2021 Volkswagen Jetta – media.vw.com | Shop 2021 Volkswagen Jetta on Carsforsale.com
Counting the GLI, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta has eight different trim options to choose from. That’s a lot of choice and customization for a compact car. A stronger vehicle would obviously be the Jetta GLI. More specifically, the Jetta GLI Autobahn. It combines a good level of comfort with an edgier ride.
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta S offers a no-frills option, but can certainly fill the need of the occasional road trip and getting around in town. The Jetta SEL and SEL Premium are better choices (for not too much more money) in terms of safety features, driver assists, and added infotainment and amenities. If these options aren’t financially viable, going up to at least the Jetta SE will at least get some of the extra features while still saving about $5,000.
The choices don’t stop there! Cars For Sale has several other Volkswagen reviews available. Considering buying a used Jetta? Then take a look at our New vs. Used Volkswagen Jetta comparison. If Volkswagen is your branch of choice, try reading a review of the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Or, if compact cars are what you’re looking for, we have a list of the Top 10 Compact Cars for Under $10,000, the Top 10 Compact Crossovers Under $20,000, and the Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2021.
