The Volkswagen Jetta was redesigned for the 2019 model year, and carried over mostly unchanged for 2020. The same is largely true for the 2021 model year of this midsize sedan, although a notable update is a new infotainment system in higher trim levels.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta: What’s New?
What remains the same is the Jetta’s handsome, if not eye-catching, design. The sharp crease just below the belt line adds some character to the flanks, but the ho-hum front end seems designed more to avoid giving offense than it is to inspire. What’s more interesting about the Jetta is that it rides on the well-loved MQB platform—shared with everything from VW’s Golf, GTI, and Atlas to Audi’s A3 and Q3— and also provides owners with more room inside than the last-generation model.
And there’s still no word about the rumored Jetta R, although you can be sure we’ll be the first to tell you about it should it happen.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels and Equipment
The regular 2021 Jetta comes in five trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. The Jetta GLI, the sportiest version, comes in two trims: S and Autobahn.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Infotainment and Technology
Arguably the biggest change for 2021 is the inclusion of the new MIB3 infotainment system on the top two trim levels: SEL and SEL Premium. The other trim levels make do with the carryover MIB II system, a touchscreen setup. Previously, for 2020, the Jetta featured a 6.5-inch screen in S, SE, and R-Line models, while the SEL and SEL Premium use an 8.0-inch screen. The SEL Premium also offers the Discover Media functionality with 2.5D navigation.
For the Jetta GLI, only the Autobahn gets the upgraded MIB3 infotainment system.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Interior Features
For 2021, there is little to note beyond what we’ve already said about the 2019 and 2020 models. The interior remains the same, which is mostly a good thing, considering the available Volkswagen version of Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit system, smartphone integration options, and subdued yet sporty design. The SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trims offer standard contrasting stitching on the wheel and shifter, and the SE and SEL trims also get six-way power adjustment on the driver’s seats.
2021 Volkswagen Engine, Transmission, and Chassis
Nothing new to report here. The sole engine is a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, and we presume it will still offer a manual transmission on the base trim only. All other trims will get an eight-speed automatic. The engine makes 148 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate but nothing to get the heart racing.
Unless you’re talking about the Jetta GLI. As before, it features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four pumping out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, available with a manual, and offering a lot more performance—if not the passion that previous GLIs instilled. We expect the 2021 GLI experience to be identical to 2020 save the infotainment and safety updates.
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Safety
The GLI Autobahn gets a host of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam control. This is in addition to the standard post-collision braking system, which debuted for 2020. There are no other apparent changes for safety systems in any other Jetta version or trim.
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