2020 Volkswagen Jetta

History / Overview

Volkswagen introduced the seventh-generation Jetta in 2019 on a flexible new platform that also underpins the Atlas SUV, Golf hatchback, and Arteon upscale sedan.

What's New / Key Changes from Last Year

For 2020, changes to the Jetta are in trim. The base Comfortline trim gets a new 6.5-inch colour display and USB-C connector that are new to the Jetta.

Comfortline trim adds a new wheel design, and Comfortline and Highline add a low windshield washer fluid level warning.

Execline gains wireless smartphone charging, a heated wiper de-icer, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

Available Trims

Volkswagen offers the Jetta in Comfortline, Highline, Execline, and GLI trims. The first three trims use a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. GLI trades that for a more potent 2.0L.

1.4L cars offer 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions. The GLI starts with a 6-speed stick that options to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Standard Features

Comfortline comes with an electric parking brake, cruise control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a 4-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, automatic on/off LED headlights, LED taillights, 16-inch wheels, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles, a 6-way manual driver's seat, heated front seats, air conditioning, leatherette door inserts, reading lights, and cloth upholstery.

Highline adds blind spot monitoring, passive keyless entry, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and leatherette upholstery.

Execline trim brings fog lights, cornering lights, a wiper de-icer, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, wireless smartphone charging, an 8-speaker stereo, navigation, a digital gauge cluster, 17-inch wheels, a power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar, ventilated front sport seats, ambient lighting, and leather upholstery.

Finally, GLI builds on a mix of Execline and Highline features, adding 18-inch wheels.

Key Options

Highline and Execline offer a driver assistance package of adaptive cruise control, forward collision detection with automatic braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

A GLI advanced driver assistance pack adds lane keep assist, a multi-function camera with distance sensor, and adaptive cruise with stop-and-go.

Fuel Economy

Volkswagen's fuel consumption estimates are 7.8/5.9 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 1.4L engine and 8-speed automatic, and 7.9/5.9 with the stickshift. GLI ratings are 9.3/7.2 L/100 km with the 7-speed automatic and 9.6/7.1 with the 6-speed stick.

Competition

With the Jetta, VW competes with big names like the Honda Civic, Toyota's Corolla, the Mazda3 and Hyundai's Elantra. Other noteworthy models are the Kia Forte, and Nissan's Sentra.