The Volkswagen Jetta was first introduced in 1979 and has become the automaker's number-one model in terms of name awareness. The compact car also commands a high level of brand loyalty, ranking second only to the Tiguan.
The Jetta was last redesigned for the 2018 model year. Currently in its seventh generation, the compact car receives a mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Available only as a 4-door sedan for the U.S. market, the Jetta comes in two variants: a standard model and a performance-oriented GLI. Both receive updated design features inside and out as well as more standard equipment.
Trim options are also revamped. The Jetta drops the R-Line and SEL Premium from the lineup. A new Sport trim replaces the R-Line and is repositioned just above the entry-level S trim for a value-oriented sport option. The Jetta SEL gains more features once available on the SEL Premium. For the GLI, the S trim is gone, leaving only a fully loaded Autobahn model.
According to VW, pricing will increase slightly due to the robust amount of newly standard features. Still, the Jetta lineup will continue to be competitive and offer value among its competitive set. The refreshed 2022 VW Jetta and Jetta GLI will go on sale this November.
Being a mid-cycle refresh, the Jetta's exterior design updates are mild at best. Only current owners of the latest model are likely to notice the restyled front end and rear bumper at first glance, but the changes are there.
Both the Jetta and Jetta GLI feature a new grille and lower front bumper design, the latter being taller and more pronounced black trim than the current model. The GLI's exclusive red grille insert now has a chrome surround to highlight the accent further. And in the rear, the GLI now incorporates a dual sport exhaust.
LED lighting is now standard across the Jetta family and includes headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Higher trim levels will feature projector LEDs.
The standard Jetta will be available in seven colors, while the Jetta GLI will have a selection of five. New metallic colors available for both variants are Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue. The new hues are further accented by the standard chrome window trim (or black if opting for the Jetta Sport and Jetta GLI).
Like the GLI, the new Sport model distinguishes itself with enthusiast-leaning accouterments like dark graphite 17-inch alloy wheels and a blacked-out grille. Wheel designs overall are updated and range from 16- to 18-inch size for the Jetta lineup. The GLI is available with two black-wheel package options.
Like the exterior, the 2022 Jetta's cabin sees a mild update in upholstery and styling. New rhombus-patterned cloth seats with contrast stitching are standard, while optional leather seats are now available in a two-tone Volcano Brown and black. New for the Jetta GLI is a red underlay highlighted via the perforated seats and further matches the contrast red stitching decor.
Also, for the first time, the GLI is equipped with a haptic steering wheel. Offering a tactile alert to drivers in addition to audio and visual notifications, the haptic feedback feature is relatively new to the VW lineup. Currently available on the Arteon, Golf, ID.4, and Tiguan, the new steering wheel is making its way into other models as they are refreshed and updated, like the Jetta.
For 2022, the Jetta receives a new standard engine. The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is the same engine launched in the all-new Taos, offering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This represents an 11-hp gain compared to the outgoing 1.4-liter inline-4, but torque remains the same. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.
The Jetta GLI carries over the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Its output remains at 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. Transmission pairings are a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Suspension tuning is unchanged. All 2022 Jetta models feature a strut-type front suspension, but the standard Jetta is equipped with a torsion-beam rear setup, while the GLI features a multi-link arrangement. The Jetta GLI also receives an adaptive damping system as standard equipment.
All 2022 Jettas will feature VW IQ.Drive technologies, the automaker's umbrella term for a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). On the base model, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are newly standard.
Additionally, an IQ.Drive package can be added to S and Sport trims, meaning consumers don't have to opt for a higher trim level to have the highest level of available safety. The IQ.Drive package includes active blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and emergency assist. IQ.Drive is standard on Jetta SE and SEL trims as well as the Jetta GLI. High-beam headlight assist is also standard on the GLI but available a la carte on other Jetta trims.
An 8-inch digital cockpit display is now standard on base-model Jettas, while the more prominent 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro is available on higher trim levels and standard on the Jetta GLI.
Also, newly standard for the lineup is Volkswagen Car-Net Wi-Fi hotspot capability as well as App-Connect, which allows smartphone app access via the digital cockpit through Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink. Additionally, the Jetta SEL and Jetta GLI get wireless App-Connect connectivity as well as wireless device charging.
Other available technologies for the 2022 Jetta lineup are automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, BeatsAudio premium sound, and a 10-color ambient lighting system. Creature comforts include optional heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors.
The compact sedan segment continues to be hotly contested and includes the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla.
Although crossovers, SUVs, and trucks continue to dominate sales, dealers sold nearly 900,000 compact sedans in the United States in 2020. Of that number, the Jetta had 9 percent of the market. So far in 2021, VW's compact sedan is appreciating a 5-percent year-over-year sales increase.
With more standard features and technology, an appealing design, and a roomy interior, the 2022 VW Jetta is likely to keep its slice of the compact car pie, if not gain a larger helping altogether.
Volkswagen is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 23, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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