Overview
Compact sedans may not be the hot sellers they were a couple decades ago, but the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta remains steadfast as one of the best affordable compact sedans sold today. Often referred to as a Volkswagen Golf with a trunk, it shares some of that model’s joie de vivre, which is good as the base, non-GTI Golf is no longer sold in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean it’s got the segment to itself; the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, for instance, put up some tough competition, and the latter offers all-wheel drive. Thankfully, the Jetta inherited some of the Golf’s better traits, including agile handling that goes a long way to make the most of its 158-horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine. Drivers ins search of more power and sportier handling are encouraged to check out the 228-hp Jetta GLI, reviewed separately. The standard Jetta’s kit includes a six-speed manual, but an eight-speed automatic transmission is on tap for a few hundred bucks extra. Heated power exterior mirrors, cloth upholstery, and a smattering of safety features including forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking are standard in the base S, and a host of excellent infotainment offerings and upgrades are available. Excellent fuel economy is standard, too: the last Jetta we tested returned an impressive 42 mpg on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test.
What’s New for 2024?
The big news for 2024 is the fitment of VW’s IQ.Drive driver-assistance suite as standard equipment from the base S trim up. Also added for 2024 are an eco-leather steering wheel, leather gearshift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain sensing wipers. The next rung up Sport trim gets standard heated front seats and a space-saving, lightweight spare.