Volkswagen announced a model refresh for the Jetta and Jetta GLI with updated engines, and new exterior and interior features.
The Jetta was launched in America over 40 years ago and has become one of the highest-selling VW models after the Beetle—over 3.5 million Jettas were sold in the US alone since its inception.
Over the years, sedans have remained a popular choice among families due to their comfort, practicality, and ease of driving within cities. However, people have now gravitated towards SUVs and other larger vehicles, casting a shadow over the humble sedan. Nonetheless, VW still believes that the Jetta is a reasonable proposition among those opting for SUVs and applied the ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ philosophy, retaining the design language of its predecessor, barring a few elements.
Still, from a visual standpoint, there are some subtle changes to the 2022 Jetta, now equipped with new front and rear bumpers, plus new color and wheel options. Indeed, the front grille now features two distinctive chrome strips in the center, contrasting the VW logo. Moreover, the lower variants come with chrome inserts on the windows, whereas the newly introduced Sport-Trim and top-end variants get black inserts instead. The rear bumper is also revised, adding sportier lines and creases, plus a chrome insert at the bottom. All trims come with 16-inch alloys as standard.
VW has also updated the interior to modern specs. For instance, all trims get the Volkswagen Digital Driver’s Cockpit with an 8-inch screen plus an infotainment screen with all the navigation and phone connectivity features as part of standard equipment. VW’s Car-Net is also standard across all variants, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity to customers subscribing to a data plan.
All necessary safety systems are available with the IQ.DRIVE pack, including Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alerts as standard, while top-tier trims get Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and so on. The cabin can be upholstered with leatherette or leather seating surfaces with contrast stitching, complemented by a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Other features include ventilated seats and automatic climate control.
The ‘enthusiast’s sedan,’ also known as the Jetta GLI, carries a bunch of enhancements to differentiate itself from the standard model. The front fascia gets a sportier appearance, thanks to honeycomb details, a red stripe in the middle of the grille, and other sharp elements to give it a more aggressive look. The GLI also gets 18-inch aluminum alloys as standard, a rear bumper with a diffuser, and oval chrome exhaust tips.
The theme continues inside, featuring perforated leather seats with a red hue, a flat-bottom steering wheel with an embossed GLI logo, and ambient lighting. The GLI also gets the full suite of safety systems from the IQ.DRIVE pack, a 10.25’ Digital Cockpit Pro display, a wireless charging pad, and standard phone connectivity features.
The standard Jetta is powered by the newly derived EA211 1.5-liter turbocharged i4 engine from the Taos that pumps out 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and is offered with two transmission options—a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the GLI gets the trusty 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888, good for 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and either the same 6-speed manual as the base variant or an optional 7-speed DSG box. The GLI also gets an advanced torque-sensing LSD working in unison with the XDS Cross Differential System and Adaptive Damping System.
The 2022 Jetta is available in seven colors, including Kings Red Metallic, Oryx White Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic, while the GLI will only have five. VW hasn’t announced prices for the new models yet, although you can expect a slight hike from the $18,995 & $26,345 of the previous Jetta and GLI, respectively.
2022 VW Jetta
2022 VW Jetta GLI
